'This is an excellent and thought-provoking book on an important topic. Written withelegance and style, it presents a multi-layered analysis of hw Musli intellectuals have dealt with 'modernity'. It is at once a critical review of the ways in which conceptions of modernity, although developed in historically specific circumstances, are often conceived of today as a single ideology, and a ... Read moresubtle and informed interpretation of Islamic reformist thought of various kinds. It cogently argues that reformism cannot be understood without relating it to changing power relationships and evolving conceptualisations of religion, literature, gender and state.' James Piscatori, Professor of International Relations in the Schol of Government and International Affairs, Durham University. Show Less