The Crisis of Islam
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Overview
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.
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.
Reviews (33)
Rather interesting
Written by Howeln from Alpine, CA on July 22nd, 2008
- Book Rating: 5/5
A rather interesting work. The information was rather informative and detailed, but in the same way short. In many cases I would have liked more information, but then the purpose seems to be an introduction and look into the matter. He goes over the history and how everything has come about. From the start of Islam, their joining Nazi's, to the current state of the muslim world. He does take the approach to explain why Islam hates America, but the answer is not clear cut. Don't get me wrong, he does explain it, but the reason is neither straight forward. Why, well that goes back to around 600AD.
The Crisis of Islam
Written by Michael Scott from Santa Cruz, CA on June 18th, 2008
- Book Rating: 3/5
While Lewis obviously knows his topic, and this title is full of useful information, his narration, similar to the most boring of college professors, was agonizing, and will put anyone to sleep. I'd give this title a much higher recommendation, if he'd only hire a professional narrator.
crisis of islam
Written by Dave r Brown on May 25th, 2008
- Book Rating: 2/5
Boring and a bit further back then I needed. Reader will make you sleepy, even if you listen to it as you run...
A Crisis in Narration....
Written by A. O'Brien on May 15th, 2008
- Book Rating: 4/5
Four stars for content, as it is definitely food for thought, especially if one is or has been an "armed tourist" to the region. A word of warning however, this book is read by the author; his intonation and accent grace the ears like nails on chalk board, and his level of interest is positively coma inspiring.
Good history of Islam
Written by Andy on November 30th, 2007
- Book Rating: 3/5
A good review of the history of Islam and then the author tries to connect it to the the issues of today. At times it bounced around and was not at all chronological but pulled referenced through current history on certain points. Interesting conclusion of the basic incompatibility of Islam and democracy and how the religion needs to come to grips and how it will grow in the world.
Crisis of Islam
Written by Anonymous from Fairfax, VA on November 27th, 2007
- Book Rating: 3/5
Informative and well researched. However, I think I would have enjoyed it better and gotten more out of such important material it had been read by a professional instead of by the author himself. He had difficulty trying to catch his breath every time he read a few sentences, and his voice trailed off towards the end of many of them, a fact that made the entire listening distracting to follow.
Great Review of History
Written by Ali Afshari on November 27th, 2007
- Book Rating: 4/5
This was a great book for those that need a little history and politics. A very well read book and I really enjoyed it.
Brilliant Bernard!
Written by Mandi Chestler from Lake Oswego, OR on October 19th, 2007
- Book Rating: 5/5
Mr. Lewis' Crisis of Islam is the most valuable book I've read on the topic. He weaves 13 centuries of history into a logical, bias-free narrative that sheds light on the horrific turbulence brewing in the Middle East today. His analysis of Islam is objective, springing from well documented historical fact, not political agenda. Bernard Lewis takes a complicated, sensitive subject and presents it in a manner that anyone can understand. His clarity is brilliant; a must read/listen written and narrated by a master scholar.
Fascinating
Written by Julie Ames on October 15th, 2007
- Book Rating: 4/5
Excellent presentation of the background and history of Islam, what has happened to create radical fundamentalism, and some insight into "why they hate us". I thought the narrator was excellent, and kept me fully engaged start to finish.
The Crisis of Islam
Written by Leo Nikora on September 15th, 2007
- Book Rating: 5/5
Lots of history. Maybe too much history. Lots of facts. I learned a lot. Very dry style. More like a text book. But worth the effort to read, because of all the information contained in the book.