Reviews

Written from a Catholic vantage point and in a popular vein, Jomier's work serves as a basic text on the religious aspects of the emergence and expansion of the Islamic empire, Islamic dogma, and laws and practices of Islamic society. As a basic introduction the text is adequate, yet a clear understanding of Muslim thought and culture cannot be attained solely through this brief presentation of facts, which are unquestionably from a Western perspective with commentary and references to Christian thought throughout. Of possible interest to high school students with Christian affiliations and others wishing a quick introduction to a vast and complex subject.-- Paula I. Nielson, Brigham Young Univ. Lib., Provo, Ut.