Qur'an (Books That Changed the World) - Softcover

Lawrence, Bruce

Softcover

ISBN 10: 080214344X ISBN 13: 9780802143440

Publisher: Grove Press / Atlantic Monthly Press, 2008

Synopsis

"Meditative and unique, a lovely read for any spiritual person, Muslim or not."--Publisher's Weekly Few books in history have been as poorly understood as the Qur'an. Sent down in a series of revelations to the Prophet Muhammad, the Qur'an is the unmediated word of Allah, a ritual, political, and legal authority, an ethical and spiritual guide, and a literary masterpiece. In this book, one of the launch titles in Atlantic Monthly Press' "Books That Changed the World" series, the distinguished historian of religion Bruce Lawrence shows precisely how the Qur'an is Islam. He describes the origins of the faith and assesses its tremendous influence on today's societies and politics. Above all, Lawrence emphasizes that the Qur'an is a sacred book of signs that has no single message. It is a book that demands interpretation and one that can be properly understood only through its history. Bruce Lawrence's work is a beautifully written and, in these increasingly troubled times, invaluable introduction to and exploration of the core sacred text of Islam.

About this title

Review:

"This book, like the book it studies, is meditative and unique, a lovely read for any spiritual person, Muslim or not."

"An important work for those seeking to understand--and defend--Islam."

"Timely and provocative . . . Lawrence's history of the Qur'an [is] highly instructive. . . . The history of the book is a map of the world we live in today."

"Standout . . . [Lawrence] presents in the most readable manner what for some will be a new topic. For Muslims who seek to deepen their faith and for non-Muslims who seek to understand that faith, The Qur'an is a valuable resource."

Book Description:

An enlightening introduction to the making, and message, of the central book in the world's most misunderstood religion: 'An exceptionally illuminating and balanced narrative.' Ziauddin Sardar, Independent

About this edition

• Publisher: Grove Press / Atlantic Monthly Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 080214344X
• ISBN 13: 9780802143440
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 231