An invaluable reference point to explore varied facets of Muslim rule, from issues such as that of the caliphal mandate, the basis for selecting successors - not always driven by family ties, the emergence of Muslim queens, the circumstances of dynastic ruptures and even less weighty matters such as the predilection for titles and honorifics! Bosworth's compendium is the perfect ... Read moreantidote to simplistic readings of Muslim history, It serves as a starting point for forays into the rich landscape of Muslim political history in order to focus on the real issues. There can be few works more deserving of such positive accentuation than the one under review here! The emergence in paperback of Edmund Bosworth's magisterial New Islamic Dynasties is a cause for celebration for numerous reasons! it is always good to embrace an old and trusted friend - and especially one such as this, transformed as it is is by a stunning makeover! Bosworth's all-seeing eye roves effortlessly across the Muslim world from Senegal to Borneo, producing an inventory that is now probably as inclusive as it could be! The book is as elegant, eloquent and economic in its treatment of the dynastic complexities of Muslim civilisation as ever. Indeed, in its updated, expanded form, the new Islamic Dynasties will if anything prove to be of even greater worth and utility, if such a thing is possible, than its earlier manifestation - truly a vade mecum for all seasons. This indispensable reference work ! is clearly set out and easy to use and all students and scholars of Islamic studies, not just numismatists and historians, will need to keep it handy, no matter what their precise specialty. It will be the genealogical and chronological reference work of Islam par excellence for many, many years to come. A reference work which will be even more useful for coming generations of scholars than was its predecessor. This manual answers the needs of students and scholars of the entire Muslim world.
Richard W. Bulliet, Professor of History, Columbia University An invaluable reference point to explore varied facets of Muslim rule, from issues such as that of the caliphal mandate, the basis for selecting successors - not always driven by family ties, the emergence of Muslim queens, the circumstances of dynastic ruptures and even less weighty matters such as the predilection for titles and honorifics! Bosworth's compendium is the perfect antidote to simplistic readings of Muslim history, It serves as a starting point for forays into the rich landscape of Muslim political history in order to focus on the real issues. There can be few works more deserving of such positive accentuation than the one under review here! The emergence in paperback of Edmund Bosworth's magisterial New Islamic Dynasties is a cause for celebration for numerous reasons! it is always good to embrace an old and trusted friend - and especially one such as this, transformed as it is is by a stunning makeover! Bosworth's all-seeing eye roves effortlessly across the Muslim world from Senegal to Borneo, producing an inventory that is now probably as inclusive as it could be! The book is as elegant, eloquent and economic in its treatment of the dynastic complexities of Muslim civilisation as ever. Indeed, in its updated, expanded form, the new Islamic Dynasties will if anything prove to be of even greater worth and utility, if such a thing is possible, than its earlier manifestation - truly a vade mecum for all seasons. This indispensable reference work ! is clearly set out and easy to use and all students and scholars of Islamic studies, not just numismatists and historians, will need to keep it handy, no matter what their precise specialty. It will be the genealogical and chronological reference work of Islam par excellence for many, many years to come. A reference work which will be even more useful for coming generations of scholars than was its predecessor. This manual answers the needs of students and scholars of the entire Muslim world. Show Less