This book will be immensely helpful to those who wish to orient themselves to what has become a very large body of literature on medieval Islamic history. Combining a bibliographic study with an inquiry into method; it opens with a survey of the principal reference tools available to historians of Islam and a systematic review of the sources they will confront. Problems of method are then examined in a series of chapters; each exploring a broad topic in the social and political history of the Middle East and North Africa between A.D. 600 and 1500. The topics selected represent a cross-section of Islamic historical studies; and range from the struggles for power within the early Islamic community to the life of the peasantry. Each chapter pursues four questions. What concrete research problems are likely to be most challenging and productive? What resources do we possess for dealing with these problems? What strategies can we devise to exploit our resources most effectively? What is the current state of the scholarly literature for the topic under study?
#1319744 in Books William Morrow 1988-12Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x 6.60 x 1.40l; #File Name: 0688075762349 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great chosin historyBy Steve VartyThis has become my 2nd favorite chosin history book. And it actually has the sort of small scale maps most books leave out.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. 1st MARDIV fights two enemies -- the Chinese and sub-zero temperaturesBy Joel R.Any one with some familiarity with the Marine Corps; has heard of the Chosin Resevoir. This book is an anthology of personal histories of the Marines who fought their way from Wonson to Chosin; and back to the sea to safety.The book begins with a very brief orientation to the geography of Korea; and with an equally brief discussion of the unprovoked North Korean attack on June 24th; 1950. Another quick chapter on the US counterattack out of the Pusan perimeter; and the reader now has the strategic overview of where the 1st MARDIV story begins.The personal recollections of the war are absolutely incredible tales. Individual rifle companies showing fire discipline; and small unit leadership held off entire regiments of Chinese soldiers -- the proverbial David vs. Goliath. All the while; fighting off temperatures that seldom reached above zero. This book is an absolute page-turner once you get into it.The epilogue contains the requisite "what happened" section; including highlighting three Marines who earned the Medal of Honor. While reading the book; their stories blend in with the other incredible tales of heroism.My only complaint is the lack of maps in the paperback edition. Spend the extra money and buy the hardcover; or go to Wikipedia and look up "Chosin Resevoir". The maps on the website perfectly complement the book.13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. ExcellentBy Mark A. Whitney mwhitney1@aol.comThis book was my first read into finding out what my now deceased father experienced as one of the 1st Marines in Korea and Chosin. An absolutely excellent book that has fundamentally changed the way I view this Nation; my own not nearly so "forgotten" Army service some twenty years later; the Marines in general; and most importantly the incredible pride I feel towards my father's and his generation's service. This book has a great deal of detail but never drags. During some passages I would actually have to put the book down to soak in the visual images painted by the skilled story teller. To know that the events so described actually took place fills me with awe and wonder. How anyone could survive is amazing. I'm also glad I read this book first; before Lt. J. Owen's "Colder Than Hell;" it made that book all the more impactful. If you do not know much about the Chosin area; go to the web and find some of the maps there to go along with your read of "Retreat Hell." I found it very helpful as that is the only area lacking in the book. Thank heavens people like Mr. Wilson have put forth the effort to create such works for future generations to learn about what "service" and "sacrifice" really means.
