Ali b. Abi Talib; son-in-law and cousin of the Prophet Muhammad; first Shi'i imam and fourth caliph; is a monumental figure within the Islamic tradition. But despite the immense importance of Imam Ali; there is a dearth of literature in Western languages about his life and thought. This book -- the first serious engagement in English with the intellectual principles underpinning his teachings -- is therefore a welcome and valuable addition to the sources available. It consists of three parts. Part one introduces the person of Ali in a general manner; and focuses particularly on the spiritual and ethical content of his teachings. Part two evaluates Ali's ""sacred conception of justice"" Part three addresses the theme of spiritual realization through the remembrance of God; the central mystical practice of the Sufis. Justice and Remembrance will be of great value to students and scholars of Islamic thought; as well as to those interested in the relationship between spirituality and ethics.
#654802 in Books Anthem Press 2003-07-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.20 x 1.00 x 6.10l; 1.11 #File Name: 1843310236654 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A must have...By JamesThis is probably one of the most thorough books on Russian history up to 1917 that I have ever read. Mr. Moss covers everything right down to everyday living in the peasantry in each era. The other noticeable trait of this author is his unbiased style of writing. He rarely gives his opinion on certain people or situations unless it calls for it; and even then he makes logical conclusions based on the evidence available. This is a difficult thing to find; say; when reading biographies about Ivan the Terrible; which almost always offer one slanted view of the Tsar. Mr. Moss does a great job at just presenting what we know to be true and allowing the reader to reach their own conclusion; truly the mark of a great writer indeed. Well researched and well written; this is a must for anyone studying Russian history. What is great about this as well is that the layman and scholar alike can read this and learn from it.12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. Easy read; informativeBy Brent WooMoss presents the cold; hard facts of early Russian history in a highly readable and accessible format. The language and format is so comfortable that many times I forgot that I was reading this on assignment. The "Part" introductions provide a very good overview of the chapters to come; and are useful tools for reviewing (or cramming) the comprehensive material of the text. Moss has copious footnotes and annotations to provide for further reading; and provides a "Suggested Sources" at the end of every chapter for even more reading. Appendices include a Timeline of everything that is described in the book (excellent for review and testing oneself); a more-than-sufficient bibliography; a table of Russian rulers (very useful; but oddly laid out); and a Glossary (very helpful!). I really enjoy reading the book; and I will surely complete the set with the second volume.I have only two complaints. The first is superficial. The maps presented throughout the book are informative; but often confusing. I realize without color; maps are severely limited; but when presented with several different kinds of striped area; it's no less ambiguous than several shades of grey. For example; p 18 provides an outline of Moscow; Lithuania and the Mongolian Empire. I don't understand why the four divisions of Moscow are given in 1304; 1389; 1462; and 1533; while Lithuania is given in 1304; 1377; and 1462. The Mongols are given an outline for the 15th century only! I can't compare what's happening at any given time; esp. since there's a lot of give-and-take going on during this period. This may be my own shortcoming but the map does not come off as easy to read.Second; the binding of this book is horrible. There is no way to read the middle third of the book without breaking the spine; unless you hold it at a V shape for the two weeks or so it takes to get through that portion. It feels kind of cheap; although the paper cover seems durable. The Katzner Russian dictionary (which I highly recommend) is about the same size and depth (and color) of this volume; but it has a more pleasing cover feel and lays flat without bending the spine. Moreover; this book comes shrink-wrapped for some reason; preventing returns or exchanges. This presentation doesn't take away from the good content.These minor complaints should not stop you from purchasing this book; if you want a broad introduction to Russian history; you need this text!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. History bookBy Mary Ann LamovskyI took my first course in the history of Imperial Russia and this book has been a great introduction to the subject.
