ISBN: 9781842000915 Author: Luqman Nagy Publisher: Ta-Ha Publishers Ltd. (May 2008) Pages: 194 Binding: Hardcover Description from the publisher: The Book of Islamic Dynasties presents in one concise volume an introduction to the many great Islamic dynasties that have arisen; shone and faded - like stars in the firmament - but have left the Muslim world all the richer. The subtitle; A Celebration of Islamic History and Culture; reflects the importance of the inspiring cultural legacies bequeathed to us by our Muslim ancestors and the enormous contributions made by Muslims to world civilization.Filled with beautiful hand painted illustrations to bring the text to life. This book will be a pleasure to read for both adolescents and adults and will insha'Allah enable the reader to better comprehend the complexities of life in today's Dar al-Islam.Luqman Nagy was born and raised in Vancouver; Canada. He graduated from the University of British Columbia with graduate degrees in Library Science and Education and subsequently pursued Middle Eastern language studies at Ankara University (Turkish); Pahlavi [Shiraz] University (Persian); and Umm al-Qur'a University; Makkah (Arabic). Since 1970; he has traveled the length and breadth of Dar al-Islam several times always in search of traditional Islamic societies. He currently resides with his family in Dhahran; Saudi Arabia where he teaches at King Fahd University.
#605225 in Books Osprey Publishing 2000-09-25 2000-09-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .39 x .16 x 7.26l; .50 #File Name: 184176015364 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Another great Osprey bookBy manthraLike all of the Osprey books we've had; this is a great resource; with useful illustrations and good information about the topic at hand.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Elizabethan Sea DogsBy CustomerThis is a real nice book about the Elizabethan age and it will fit fine into my collection of Osprey on the subject5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. No hero worship or Hollywood silliness hereBy Anibal MadeiraAngus Konstam is a renowned naval history scholar and he isn't influenced at all by the usual imbecilic propaganda shown by movies since the thirties. Although he is British; he analyses the era without the usual anti-Spanish biases and with academic eyes.Reading this book you will find the beginnings of the attacks on the Spanish Main; the voyages of commerce and "persuasion" of Hawkings; Drakes interesting career; the constant attacks sanctioned by Queen Elizabeth on Spanish territory and fleets ; the Armada campaign and the English post-armada raids. The author describes the different types of ships; their strengths and weaknesses; the organization of an expedition of plunder as a commercial venue where crown; private companies and individuals were involved hoping for profit in plunder; the differences between letters of Reprisal; letters of Marque and Piracy and how easy was to abuse sanctioned reprisal attacks (some English ships were still using as excuse letters de Reprisal issued 9 years before!!!).Also very interesting are the different tactical doctrines that influenced English and Spanish naval warfare; the former investing in speed; agility and firepower (with fast reloading systems like the four wheeled carriage) and the latter in boarding actions and short ranged firepower.The Angus McBride plates are quite good: Jacques de Sores plundering Havana - 1555; Pedro de Menendez attacking Fort Caroline - 1565; John Hawkins fight at San Juan de Ulúa - 1568; Francis Drake attempt to ambush the Panama silver train - 1573; The sea-beggars "Hell-raisers"attacking the Schelde Pontoon Bridge - 1585; Martin Frobisher's fight with the Spanish Armada off Portland - 1588; Francis Drake's raid on St Augustine - 1586; Sir Richard Grenville and the last fight of the "Revenge" - 1591; Lord Thomas Howard; Sir Walter aleigh and the capture of Cadiz -1596.This book has a big weakness - it should be about "Elizabethan Sea Dogs"; not a generic history of corsairs and pirates against Spain. We get little information about weapons; training; hierarchies and clothing. The author could invest less space in describing French; Dutch and Spanish or so many details about the expeditions and concentrate on the focus of the book. The author has dozens of published books on naval history! Several about Pirates in general; here I believe he should concentrate on the Elizabethan Sea Dog.This is a very worthy and impartial introduction to the subject. Recommended.
