People of the Book - Hardcover

Karabell, Zachary

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0719567548 ISBN 13: 9780719567544

Publisher: John Murray, 2007

Synopsis

We live in a world polarized by the ongoing conflict between Muslims, Christians and Jews, but - in an extraordinary narrative spanning fourteen centuries - Zachary Karabell argues that the relationship between Islam and the West has never been simply one of animosity and competition, but has also comprised long periods of cooperation and coexistence.
Through a rich tapestry of stories and a compelling cast of characters, People of the Book uncovers known history, and forgotten history, as Karabell takes the reader on an extraordinary journey through the Arab and Ottoman empires, the Crusades and the Catholic Reconquista and into the modern era, as he examines the vibrant examples of discord and concord that have existed between these monotheistic faiths.
By historical standards, today's fissure between Islam and the West is not exceptional, but because of weapons of mass destruction, that fissure has the potential to undo us more than ever before. This is reason enough to look back and remember that Christians, Jews and Muslims have lived constructively with one another. They have fought and taught each other, and they have learned from one another. Retrieving this forgotten history is a vital ingredient to a more stable, secure world.

About this title

Review

'This is an intelligent and continuously interesting book' (Allan Massie, Daily Telegraph)

'Excellent ... in its considered and balanced way, this book is an impassioned plea not to leave the field to the demagogues who believe in a showdown of warring cultures' (Waterstone's Books Quarterly)

'This might not be as glamorous as Moorish Spain or Ottoman Turkey, nor as dramatic as a world riven by sectarian hatred, but it's a sight more likely than the first, and infinitely preferable to the second' (Independent on Sunday)

'This appealing book finds many more moments in history to counter the times of violence and war' (Sunday Business Post)

'(A) sensitive, informative book' (Sameer Rahim, Daily Telegraph)

'A stimulating book with burning contemporary relevance' (Siobhan Murphy, Metro (London))

'Historian Zachary Karabell is concerned to show that, despite signs to the contrary, relations between Muslims, Christians and Jews can be good' (Jewish Chronicle)

Praise for the US edition of People of the Book:
'The clash between Muslims, Christians, and Jews dominates the news these days, but as Zachary Karabell highlights, there is more to the relationship between these three faiths than violence. In a book that sweeps the reader across fourteen centuries from the birth of Islam to present-day Dubai, he tells the forgotten stories of coexistence and cooperation. Peace Be upon You reminds us of the possibility of a better future'
(Newsweek International)

'In this season of crisis, Zachary Karabell has written an important book about an often overlooked issue - relations between Arabs, Christians and Jews since ancient times. This vivid, fast-moving book should interest everyone who is concerned with the Middle East. Filled with extraordinary stories of cooperation and conflict, it illuminates, and could help guide us through the present crisis' (Ambassador Richard Holbrooke)

'Perhaps if such a historical perspective was more widespread today, the world would be more peaceful and fruitful' (Terry Sutton, Lloyds List)

Book Description

A fascinating and surprising history, revealing the peaceful tradition that has existed between Islam and the West

About this edition

• Publisher: John Murray
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0719567548
• ISBN 13: 9780719567544
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 352