'No doubt, the study provides a scholarly treatment of the subject … not only students and lay public would find it interesting and informative, more serious scholars of the subject would also find it worth-reading.' Islamic Studies 'The Formation of Islam makes a significant contribution to what it is hoped will become a prominent strand in Islamicate historiography … the ... Read morebook lucidly charts the incremental formation of the Islamicate state-society complex … an incisive and textured account of the ebb and flow of Islamicate civilisation.' The Muslim World Book Review '… a fascinating, complex and dynamic plot, that is both chronological and thematic. The narrative is packed with information and interpretations, sometimes conflicting interpretations that challenge the traditional story, or criticize the theory of a particular historical school. But, condensed as it is, Berkey enlivens it with anecdotes, verses of poetry, quotations of hadith or particular scences of medieval life.' Jerusalem Studies in Arabic and Islam Show Less