Mohammedanism: An historical survey

by H.A.R. Gibb

This is a new release of the original 1962 edition.

Genres: History, Islam, Religion, Nonfiction, Middle East

159 pages, Unknown Binding

First published December 31, 1962

About the author

Sir Hamilton Alexander Rosskeen Gibb, also commonly referred to as "H. A. R. Gibb", was a Scottish Orientalist .

Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Gibb went to Scotland (the home of his ancestors) for education at the age of five after the death of his father. He attended the Royal High School, Edinburgh. Studies at the University of Edinburgh were interrupted by World War I, during which he served in France and Italy in the Royal Field Artillery. For his service, he was awarded a 'war privilege' MA. After the war he studied Arabic at the School of Oriental Studies of London University and obtained an MA in 1922. His thesis, later published by the Royal Asiatic Society as a monograph, was written on the Arab conquests of Central Asia. He married Helen Jessie Stark (Ella) the same year, and together they had one son and one daughter.

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In spite of the anachronism of the title - and some further ones in the text - this slim volume, published originally in the 1940s is still the go-to book for a short and readable text for a historical survey of the growth and influence of Islam. The life of Mohammed, the teachings of the Koran, the expansion of Islam in Asia and Africa, the upsurge of a mystical, ascetic cult opposed to the dictates of traditional Islam, the "current" problems which this religion confronts in a modern age, and the modern world's reaction to the Muslim world are all elements included in this dynamic history. I read this book as a student and it was refreshing to revisit. It is sill in print and in use as a college text. The "problems" of Islam are more relevant than ever nowadays, and it behooves one to, at least, have a nodding acquaintance with the principles and institutions of this faith. The late Professor Gibb did good.

[William Guerrant · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I studied Islam under Abdulaziz Sachedina at the University of Virginia in 1981, this was part of the required reading. Sachedina believed it was the best existing English language historical survey of Islam.

After rereading it all these years later I am sure that he meant it was the best introduction to the subject. Originally published in 1949 (which accounts for the title), the book is only 131 pages long and it treats in paragraphs topics that deserve chapters. Of course the final chapter ("Islam in the Modern World"), which was up to date when the book was revised in 1968, is now past its expiration date. In the preface Gibb says that most who write about Islam are either professing Muslims whose approach is apologetic, or non-Muslims colored by their belief that Islam is an inferior religion. He announces that his aim is steer a middle ground that will serve the interests of neither of those groups. If his goal was detachment and pure objectivity, however, this reader does not believe that he achieved it. Nevertheless, this is still a good choice for readers who want a succinct scholarly overview of the history of Islam. Malise Ruthven's Islam in the World is better for readers who want a more up to date examination that goes a little deeper.

[Toon Pepermans · Rating 4 out of 5]

good historical overview, actually a breath of (old) fresh air in these very polarized times

[Gordon Goodwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Obviously deeply immersed in Orientalism, but precisely because of that it's a great book to examine the nuances (and many pitfalls) of the Orientalist methodology and to orient yourself in the historiography of literature on Islam and the Arab world.

[Nanto · Rating 3 out of 5]

pengen baca lagi. moga gak nyelip dimana buku ini. yang nyebut nama pengarangnya Pak Amna, dosen agama dan psisos dulu.

[Margy Levine Young · Rating 2 out of 5]

This slim volume was a little more than I wanted to know about the history and politics of Islam, but not enough about the actual religion.