Muslim Spain Reconsidered: From 711 to 1502

The New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys

by Richard Hitchcock

A comprehensive survey of Muslim Spain from 711-1502. This introduction to Muslim Spain covers the period from 711 to1502, giving readers a substantial overview of what it was that made it a unique and successful society, and of its powerful legacy in the formation of modern Spain. Using a chronological framework and pushing the main historical developments to the forefront, the author keeps in view the shifting social patterns caused by the changing balance between town and country, major and minor dynasties, foreign groupings and repeated invasions from North Africa. He also includes discussion of topics such as inter-faith relations, multi-ethnic competing groups, and how intellectual life was enriched by pluralism and influence from abroad.

Genres: Medieval

232 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2013

Reviews

[Mohamad Ballan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well-written and thoroughly-researched survey of the history of al-Andalus, covering the major events from the Muslim conquest of the Iberian peninsula in 711 A.D. to the forcible conversion of the Andalusi Muslims in the Kingdom of Castile in 1502. Hitchcock has written an important book that will be especially appreciated by non-specialists for its accessible language, engaging prose and lucid explanations of the history of a significant part of the medieval past. It highlights the main events, personalities and turning points in the history of Iberia during the Middle Ages, while providing a clear interpretive framework for understanding the various developments which led to the rise, expansion, and decline of the various Muslim kingdoms that existed in Spain and Portugal over the course of nearly 900 years. The work pays particular attention to the earlier centuries of al-Andalus (711-1200), but also acquaints readers with the Nasrid kingdom, which existed from 1238 to 1492, engaging with some of the recent literature on the topic. Highly recommended.

[Farhad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a history book about the period when the Iberian peninsula was under muslim control from 711 to 1502. It is broken down by centuries and is more focused on the period between the eighth and twelfth centuries. The book is very detailed on important names and dates, yet remains a great read for a history book. The author uses much arabic and spanish lingo to make the reading experience more contemporary. He allows the reader to indulge in the great works and studies accomplished in western Islam, yet clearly demonstrates how the leaders of the later centuries went wrong. He dwells into why this Islamic state functioned so well, including leaders who were true to Islam, matters related to the economy and the treatment of non-muslims. He finally discusses how the northern Castilians capitalized on the lack of organization present in fifteenth century Al-Andalus by attacking them, enforcing mandatory conversion, and finally, exile to north Africa, thus bringing an end to the majestic and historical reign. I was looking for a book to learn more about Muslim Spain and this book had it all.

[Gleb Cherevichnyy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a solid read; Hitchcock is great at delving into topics in a brief but thorough way. However, it did feel as if he was holding back from espousing any opinions for most of the book and only had an argument closer to the conclusion. The main takeaway is that people for most of the period didn’t use religious differences as a justification to kill each other, but rather found plenty of other ample reasons!