The Ornament Of The World: How Muslims, Jews, and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain - Softcover

Menocal, Maria Rosa

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0316168718 ISBN 13: 9780316168717

Publisher: Little, Brown US, 2003

Synopsis

A rich and thriving culture where literature, science and religious tolerance flourished for 700 years is the subject of this enthralling history of medieval Spain.

Living side by side in the Andalusian kingdoms, the 'peoples of the book' produced statesmen, poets and philosophers who influenced the rest of Europe in dramatic ways, giving it the first translations of Plato and Aristotle, love songs and secular poetry plus remarkable feats of architecture and technology. This evocative account explores the lost history whose legacy and lessons have a powerful resonance in today's world.

About this title

Review:

"Splendid.... An affecting portrait of a lost Iberian world.... The beauty of Menocal's work lies in her craftsmanship and patience, in her eye for the illuminating anecdote, for the stray life that catches a time and its wonder."

"A seductively written history.... Menocal displays a lavish sense of place that should be the envy of many novelists."

"It is no exaggeration to say that what we presumptuously call Western' culture is owed in large measure to the Andalusian enlightenment.... This book partly restores to us a world we have lost."

"Engaging and accessible.... This study of medieval Spain shows that a powerful Islamic society and its committed Christian opponents were once capable of contending in arms for mastery of a rich territory, without losing their sense of mutual respect.... It is a valuable contribution."

Book Description:

* How Muslims, Jews and Christians created a culture of tolerance in medieval Spain.

About this edition

• Publisher: Little, Brown US
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0316168718
• ISBN 13: 9780316168717
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 352