Quick Overview
This "comprehensive and sympathetic work" (LATimes) covers this often misunderstood religion from its beginnings in 570 to a postscript written after September 11, 2001. While the Western world has undergone a complete revolution of thought in the past few centuries, its mistrust of Islam is still essentially medieval, argues Karen Armstrong. The "fundamentalist" fanatic; the oppressor of women; the ruthless terrorist; the tyrant—these are the stereotypes of the new Islamic infidel. Her book cuts through cliché to reveal the faith that has inspired scholars, mystics, and poets.
