Promotional Information

This detailed account of life in the medieval Islamic world sheds light on a significant portion of history commonly eclipsed by the fabled stories of medieval Europe.

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments Maps and Images Basic Chronology of Events Major Themes in Medieval Islamic History Arabia Warfare and Politics Cities Ritual and Worship Curious and Entertaining Information Suggestions for Further Readings Glossary Recipes Genealogical and Dynastic Tables Christian and Islamic Calendars with Conversion Table Index

About the Author

JAMES E. LINDSAY is Associate Professor of History at Colorado State University, Fort Collins.

Reviews

In this book, which is part of an ongoing series on the daily life of historic civilizations, Lindsay gives an excellent overview of the medieval Islamic world. Intended for an audience with little or no background on this topic, the book offers a thorough introduction to the beginnings of Islam, its history up to the year 1300, and material on a wide range of other topics, e.g., warfare, social practices, entertainment, and geography….Numerous maps, photographs, and illustrations are spread throughout the text, and some added extras include a few recipes of traditional meals and a conversion table of the Islamic and Western calendars. This book will be very valuable to history students and those interested in learning about the faith and practices of Muslims. Highly recommended. Lower- and upper-level undergraduates; general readers.
*Choice*

For general readers, Lindsay describes the Islamic world from the perspective of people who were part of it when it represented much of the best of what human civilization had to offer regarding political order, military prowess, economic vitality, civil society, and intellectual and scientific inquiry. His end date is 1300, when the Islamic world became very different after the Mongol conquest of Baghdad in 1258 and the end of the Crusades in the 1290s.
*Reference & Research Book News/Art Book News Annual*

James E. Lindsay's Daily Life in the Medieval Islamic World will reach into many a high school holding as it covers Islam's expansion across Europe and the daily lives of those who lived in medieval times under Islamic rule. From major issues in Islamic history from politics to religion to Muslim interactions with other peoples, Daily Life in the Medieval Islamic World is an important history indeed.
*Midwest Book Review*

This book is a straightforward, easy-to-read account of everything you ever wanted to know about medieval Islamic history. Informative but written in a relaxed tone, this text illustrates all aspects of this subject, including the life of Muhammad, the Islamic conquests, the rise and fall of different dynasties throughout the Middle East, warfare, religious practices, interactions with Jews and Christians, and cultural aspects such as clothing and names. A full discussion about sources, both their strengths and weaknesses, opens this book, which is important to understand as a history student. Dealing with primary sources is the most important, and often most difficult, task for an historian, so this section is a great introduction to historiography that can be applied to any area of history….Complete with pictures and maps, this book is thoroughly educational and entertaining as well, therefore its an indispensable source for medieval Islamic history.
*HistoryHotline.com*

While many Westerners are familiar with the Europe of the Dark Ages, far fewer understand what daily life was like in the thriving Islamic world during the same period. Daily Life in the Medieval Islamic World reviews major historical and cultural events while explaining the more personal details of daily life, such as the role of camels, housing arrangements, and entertainment. For the truly immersive experience, Lindsay even provides a few medieval Islamic recipes and instructions for converting between Christian and Islamic calendars.
*Middle East Journal*

Many of the suggestions for further reading would only be available in academic libraries. Purchase where needed for reports
*School Library Journal*