In his first book since What Went Wrong? Bernard Lewis examines the historical roots of the resentments that dominate the Islamic world today and that are increasingly being expressed in acts of terrorism. He looks at the theological origins of political Islam and takes us through the rise of militant Islam in Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, examining the impact of radical Wahhabi proselytizing, and Saudi oil money, on the rest of the Islamic world. The Crisis of Islam ranges widely through thirteen centuries of history, but in particular it charts the key events of the twentieth century leading up to the violent confrontations of today: the creation of the state of Israel, the Cold War, the Iranian Revolution, the Soviet defeat in Afghanistan, the Gulf War, and the September 11th attacks on the United States. While hostility toward the West has a long and varied history in the lands of Islam, its current concentration on America is new. So too is the cult of the suicide bomber. Brilliantly disentangling the crosscurrents of Middle Eastern history from the rhetoric of its manipulators, Bernard Lewis helps us understand the reasons for the increasingly dogmatic rejection of modernity by many in the Muslim world in favor of a return to a sacred past. Based on his George Polk Award–winning article for The New Yorker, The Crisis of Islam is essential reading for anyone who wants to know what Usama bin Ladin represents and why his murderous message resonates so widely in the Islamic world.
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"4.5 stars, if I could. In a very British, understated way, Lewis makes many important observations about today's world, after discussing issues he deems relevant regarding Arab and Muslim history and religion. I would recommend it to anybody interested in today's international political scene."
— Natan (5 out of 5 stars)
" This is very bad journalism. Stacked with miss-quotes, and downright lies. Pure fear mongering. Book like this appeared ib the 1930's in Hitler's time. The author should be called to account. This is not just an opinion its propaganda. "
— Emma, 2/13/2014" A brief history of Islam and what it means to the West. Sometimes a little tedious to read, but the information is worth wading through the muck. "
— Jonathan, 1/29/2014" I had to read this for World History in college. I'm glad they made me, I don't usually take to nonfiction, but this was a really good book, very informative, and I enjoyed it. "
— Jody, 1/25/2014" This guy is billed as a conservative, but he seems to have a solid knowledge of Islam and the Middle East. This book is short, easy to read, and a good introduction to the thoughts and actions that have brought us to the present situation. "
— Dennis, 1/19/2014" A great, objective, and succinct review of the history of the relationship and attitudes between the Arab world and the West, the US in particular. Good history to know. Thought-provoking. Easy-to read. "
— Bella, 1/18/2014" So much I did not know or understand. I can't say that I now really understand the conflicts and terror, but at least I took the time to try to learn. "
— Sara, 1/16/2014" This is a great and informative book, short but to the point. Lewis has an in depth knowledge about the religion and the issues it currently faces. For anyone who is looking to learn more about islam as well as islamic extremists and terrorists, this book is a must read. "
— Tamar, 1/10/2014" This is an excellent, informative little book on a complex subject that most of us are not very informed about, despite its constant presence in the news. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to better understand their world and the forces that drive it. "
— Loretta, 1/5/2014" ... a short, informative read about Islam and its role throughout recent history and its effects today. It would behoove most Americans to read some historic account of Islam, given the lack of context from the news and likewise. "
— Andrew, 1/5/2014" Insightful at times, but more or less a "No duh" for the educated. Still I think there are plenty out there that could do themselves good by reading this. Especially Europeans. "
— Mikey, 12/31/2013" Edward Said has been right "
— Ali, 12/24/2013" A highly accessible primer to Islam and its factions in conflict with the West. Lewis, a British-American historian, writes with a sympathetic, yet critical, Western lens on this subject. A good first read for anyone trying to understand this complicated subject. "
— Michael, 12/19/2013" a packed, short read. very informative and enlightening. eager to read one of his other books "
— Geo, 12/18/2013" Gives good insight into the Muslim culture and how it relates/does not relate to terrorism. "
— Tom, 12/15/2013" If you want to understand the Islamic mindset and especially that view on history and it's effects on today - read this book. Outstanding. "
— John, 12/10/2013" simple overview of the history of islam, what they believe, and the motivation behind radical jihad. interesting to learn that at one time the islamic empire was strong and thriving and has since been the victim of poverty in an industrialized western world. "
— Breck, 12/9/2013" I love almost everything by Bernard Lewis. He is my go to for all things from a western understanding of the Arab mind. "
— Donni, 9/19/2013" very short and concise book that gives you the basic background of Islam and what the fundamentalist Muslims are all about. Easy to read once you get through the first chapter. surprisingly enjoyed this book. "
— Beth, 5/26/2013" Great read, Lewis packs a lot in this little book (140 p). He gives background history of Islam and the Middle East. He then brings the situation up to present day events and application. A must read to get the pulse of current day events in the Middle East & Islam. "
— Dmcconkey, 2/25/2013" This is a nice brief overview on the history of Islam and Muslim peoples. It's a really nice eye opener for people who have only learned of Islam and the people of Islam through the media. Highly recommended. "
— Mellow-osity, 1/17/2013" Princton University professor's succinct incite on the "holy war and unholy terror"; every American should read "
— Joy, 7/10/2012" Insightful for infidels like me. "
— Adam, 6/19/2012" tough read, but well worth it "
— Polly, 5/30/2012" I read this as part of an ongoing effort to better understand the controversial events of 9/11/01 and the response of the government of the U.S.A. "
— Erik, 5/17/2012" Fair, unbiased analysis of what truly went wrong. A good read that requires more follow-up of middle eastern history. "
— Dahlia, 2/18/2012" I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who seeks to learn about the problems and culture of the Middle East and, to a lesser extent, the US. Bernard Lewis is a reknowned authority on the subject! "
— Susan, 1/12/2012" Everyone should read this book, especially Americans... "
— Mohammed, 9/20/2011" Outstanding. A fast read, and a great synopsis of why fundamentalist Islam is diametrically opposed to western culture (not just the United States). A must-read for anyone attempting to understand the current state of international relations. "
— Bill, 9/3/2011" tough read, but well worth it "
— Polly, 6/22/2011" A stark look into the entire history of clashes between East and West regarding Islam. "
— Ploni, 5/16/2011" A short, informative read about Islam and its role throughout recent history and its effects today. "
— Andrew, 2/11/2011" This is very bad journalism. Stacked with miss-quotes, and downright lies. Pure fear mongering. Book like this appeared ib the 1930's in Hitler's time. The author should be called to account. This is not just an opinion its propaganda. <br/> <br/> <br/> <br/> "
— Emma, 2/3/2011" I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who seeks to learn about the problems and culture of the Middle East and, to a lesser extent, the US. Bernard Lewis is a reknowned authority on the subject! "
— Susan, 2/1/2011" Well Worth the Quick Read<br/>Lewis offers a concise and fascinating analysis of the Islamic fundamentalist movement and its relationship to the United States. "
— Matt, 1/10/2011" great perspectives on the current crisis "
— Tamee, 10/28/2010" I read this as part of an ongoing effort to better understand the controversial events of 9/11/01 and the response of the United States government. "
— Erik, 10/8/2010" Lewis is arguably the best US expert on Islam. this is an easy read and should be reassuring to those who knee-jerk fear Muslims. this is a good book that puts it all in perspective. "
— Jrohde, 8/11/2010" Hmmm, need to study hist of Islam a little more to better grasp this "
— Nicole, 8/1/2010" Except for a bit of history on the origins of Islam there wasn't much that was new to me. Lewis emphasizes the basis in mainstream Islam for the duty of Muslims to get rid of infidels by any means. There is only one God; their God and all other beliefs are false. A disturbing thought, for sure. "
— Brian, 7/10/2010Bernard Lewis is the Cleveland E. Dodge Professor of Near Eastern Studies Emeritus at Princeton University, the author of many books, and is internationally recognized as the greatest historian of the Middle East.