#571337 in Books 2011-07-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x .88 x 5.25l; .65 #File Name: 0316041203336 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A good study of Moslems' relationship with the worldBy Hiromi YoshidaThe author concludes that the world without Islam would not be very different because geopolitical and economic factors have been more important in forming the current situation in the Middle East. The title of the book may be a bit misleading and some people who saw the title and bought this book out of curiosity may be disappointed. This is not really "what if" story; but rather a thorough study of the history of Moslems' relationship with the world in view of explaining that "Islam" itself is not the source nor the cause of the conflict and problem.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. An alternative perspectiveBy AzadGraham Fuller gives a very interesting perspective about Islam in terms of civilization. Basically; he outlines how east and west have been fighting before the advent of Islam. It is an interesting read peppered with many historical examples. It was a refreshing read and very nice insights were given about the Roman Catholic Church and Orthodox Church. Early European Christianity has also been dealt with in great detail.Since I am an Indian; I feel more comfortable talking about the Indian aspects of the book. There are a few facts which I disagree with. Author feels that the foundation of Indian classical music was laid by the 'great' Mughals. He also talks about how Sikhs want a separate homeland but fails to acknowledge it anywhere that it was pushed and funded by ISI. Today; as always; Sikhs are leading India from the forefront. Indian army has Sikhs as the largest group and tales of their bravery and courage are legendary in nature. Similarly; author also seems to be predisposed towards bashing BJP; the party in power today. While I have nothing against his personal opinion; the justifications given are very superficial in this regard. Either elaborate it properly or just leave things out. Half cooked facts do not do justice and give wrong ideas to the naive.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A World Without IslamBy DeuelI found this book to be a very valuable assest to my collection of political science books. The author Graham Fuller begins by taking the reader from the current climate that exists around the world; to the history about Islam that facilitated the ideology of political Islam. In essence; the reader learns that what has developed in many Islamic countries is a mistrust of the West. This long history of mistrust has caused many Muslims to take a very extremist political position; that supercedes the precepts of the religion.