Islamic History

[Marshal Murat]

I was curious as to any books that could be recommended for Islamic history. Particularily the Fatamid(???) and Salah-al-din, Nur-al-din, and Mamlukes.

[Pontifex Rex]

Have you Googled? Visited Amazon? barnes and Noble?

I have often found excellent books to begin an area of study by starting with them. Read the editor notes and reviews and then the reader's reviews. These will generally tell you if you are looking in the right direction.

[Ibn Munqidh]

I can recommend a few right now:

-"The Crusades Through Arab Eyes"- Amin Maalouf

-"A Syrian Knight's Chronicle on the Crusades" (many name variations)- Usamah Ibn Munqidh's 12th century chronicle

-"The Crusades and the Holy Land"

[Prince Cobra]

' Crusades from Arab eyes' I must read it. I saw it in the local library. Thank you Ibn Munqidh

[Marquis de Said]

I have recently read Amin Maalouf's "The Crusades Through Arab Eyes", and I have to say, I recommend it whole-heartedly to anyone interested in the history of the crusades. It is a very enjoyable read, well-written and provides a fresh perspective.

[Ibn Munqidh]

"The Crusades Through Arab Eyes" is THE best book ive read regarding the crusades, and one of the best history books ive read ever.

[beauchamp]

Salam u aleikum, Ibn Munqidh. Kayfal Halhal?

Im also looking for some first hand accounts, and these books look good. I don't really know any other good Islamic history books but Ill try out that
-"A Syrian Knight's Chronicle on the Crusades" (many name variations)- Usamah Ibn Munqidh's 12th century chronicle

Ps: I like your signature!

Shokran and Ma'salema, Ibn Munqidh.

[Dâriûsh]

I was curious as to any books that could be recommended for Islamic history. Particularily the Fatamid(???) and Salah-al-din, Nur-al-din, and Mamlukes.

Like the others, I must strongly recommend The Crusades through Arab Eyes (and not just because Amin Maalouf is a good writer). Though it hardly deals with the Fatimids, the deeds of Saladin and other, less famous, warlords (Like Baybars and Balak) is well represented.

For the Fatimids, perhaps you should check out Exploring an Islamic Empire: Fatimid History and Its Sources. I have been meaning to buy that for a while.

For more on Saladin, Arab Historians of the Crusades is a good choice. I can also recommend the fictional work The Book of Saladin. Just for enjoyment.

[Ibn Munqidh]

Salam u aleikum, Ibn Munqidh. Kayfal Halhal?

Im also looking for some first hand accounts, and these books look good. I don't really know any other good Islamic history books but Ill try out that
-"A Syrian Knight's Chronicle on the Crusades" (many name variations)- Usamah Ibn Munqidh's 12th century chronicle

Ps: I like your signature!

Shokran and Ma'salema, Ibn Munqidh.

My friend, look for the chronicles of Ibn Al-Athir and Ibn Al-Qalanisi

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/048...e=UTF8&s=books

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/075...e=UTF8&s=books

Alongside Usamah ibn Munqidh's Chronicle:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/069...e=UTF8&s=books

You will have a complete first hand set of the story of the crusades, from the arab point of view. Dont forget the other POV BTW.

[Horatius]

It is funny that I too have just read The Crusades through Arab Eyes and I strongly reccomend steering clear of that misinformation rubbish.

For one thing the fact that Usama one of the authors in "Arab Historians of the Crusades" sharply contradicts the majority of assertions it makes.

A great book to read on the Crusades would be "The Crusades" by Zoe Oldenbourgh, or "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" by Edward Gibbon.

[Randarkmaan]

I've just bought a book called "A history of Islamic societies" haven't got around to reading it yet though, but it looks good. Anyone read this?

All who regard the 7-7 bombers as heros or martyrs leave Britain now all who support Al Queda/Hamas/Hezbollah go with them, this is Britain not Londonistan, we will not modify our foriegn policy to aide Hezbollah or anyone else to commit Genocide against Jews/Israelis,if you wish for a government that will Britainia is not for you.

... England prevails!

[DukeofSerbia]

On Amazon.com

Serge Trifkovic - The Sword of the Prophet: History, Theology, Impact on the World

And reviews...

Warning - it's politicaly incorrect guide to Islam.

[Geoffrey S]

I found A History of the Arab Peoples by Albert Hourani to be particularly informative, though he doesn't focus on a particular region or dynasty, rather on the development of the Islam and the associated culture. It's quite a general history spanning from Muhammed to the late twentieth century, and a fascinating read.

[Leet Eriksson]

It is funny that I too have just read The Crusades through Arab Eyes and I strongly reccomend steering clear of that misinformation rubbish.

For one thing the fact that Usama one of the authors in "Arab Historians of the Crusades" sharply contradicts the majority of assertions it makes.

A great book to read on the Crusades would be "The Crusades" by Zoe Oldenbourgh, or "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" by Edward Gibbon.

Did you even bother reading the thread title or the OP?

[beauchamp]

Reguardless, I own the book by Albert Hourani as well. It was great!

[Geezer57]

I just picked up a copy of The Sword of the Prophet: History, Theology, Impact on the World, by Serge Trifkovic. Haven't had a chance yet to read it (arrived today after work), but the reviews are scorching - not for the thin-skinned politically correct.

See at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/192...619964?ie=UTF8

[edyzmedieval]

Salam Alekhum.

I explored some of the books, googled them on the internet. They look interesting.

I have a copy of a Medieval Age history book(huge novel, about 1000 pages) in Romanian(only), and it deals with the whole aspects of Medieval stuff, from beginning to end, plus it has 2 huge chapters(300-400 pages each one) about the Byzantine and Arab world.

[DukeofSerbia]

I just picked up a copy of The Sword of the Prophet: History, Theology, Impact on the World, by Serge Trifkovic. Haven't had a chance yet to read it (arrived today after work), but the reviews are scorching - not for the thin-skinned politically correct.

See at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/192...619964?ie=UTF8

I already posted that but it's nice that somebody buy it.