1. Chapter and Verse 2. A Bargain with Allah 3. Rebellions in the Dark of Night 4. A Map of Islam 5. Circle of Hell 6. Allah! Muhammad! Saladin! 7. The Doors of Europe 8. A Tale of Two Temples 9. A Dream, Trapped 10. The Bargain Goes Sour 11. Ahmad, Ali and Azad: Across Roads 12. The Bengali Babu: History as Anger 13. The Yogi and the Caliph 14. The Dhoti and the Crescent
M.J. Akbar is an Indian Muslim. Author and journalist, he is also the founder and editor-in-chief of the Asian Age newspaper. He is a respected expert on Indian and Middle Eastern politics, and has published five previous books to great acclaim, including India: The Siege Within (Penguin, 1985) and Nehru: The Making of India (Penguin, 1989).
'A perceptive account of Islamic history that gives proper weight
to south Asia. What can appear to outsiders as inexplicable becomes
more understandable when rulers are seen as grappling with immense
demographic and class changes.' - Martin Wollacott, The
Guardian
'An excellent new book by the distinguished Indian journalist M.J.
Akbar traces the centuries-long history of the conflict between
Islam and Christianity, inflamed today by the world dominance of
the US.' - Alexander Chancellor, The Guardian
'Wide-ranging and very readable account of the varied
interpretations of the concept through history.' - The
Statesman
'A whirlwind tour of Islamic history ... reminds us that although
Islamism per se, and with it jihad, periodically falls into
abeyance, it never vanishes for good.' - Justin Wintle, Sunday
Times
'A must read for any right-minded Indian who wishes to understand
the dynamics of the continent and must therefore understand the
intricacies of Islam.' - Suhel Seth, Indian Express
'The Shade of Swords is a book of learning and a book of
revelations.' - Goolam E Vahanvati, Asian Age
'Akbar makes some telling points ... [a]nd it's hard to argue with
his conclusion: "Defeat is only a setback in the holy war. The
jihad goes on."' - Washington Post
'Provocative, idiosyncratic, polemical and wide-ranging, M.J
Akbar's writing reflects his depth of experience and his passion
for his subject. It is perhaps his most timely book yet.' - William
Dalrymple
'... an engrossing account of the historic conflict between the
world's two major faiths.' - Mohammed Khan
'Best at evoking sympathetically the religious emotion that drives
holy wars ... His book is a succession of vivid accounts of Muslims
who fought Christians, Hindus and Jews. A wide, entrancing stretch
of history [that] has a taste for flamboyant characters and lively
anecdotes.' - Radhakrishnan Nayar, THES
For anyone interested in the tensions between Islam and
Christianity - and that should be everyone - this is the right book
at the right time by the right author. In his superb treatment of
one of the most important and vexing issues in the world today, M.
J. Akbar combines deep knowledge of both history and current events
with clear thinking and clear writing. - Strobe Talbott
Shade of Swords should be studied by everyone interested in
minimizing religious conflict across the planet in the new century.
- David Kilgour, Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific), Canada
'The book is remarkable for the candour and acuity with which the
whole question of Islamic fundamentalism and related issues are
dealt with - given post September 11 developments it is also very
topical.' - Journal of the Commonwealth Lawyer's Association
' ... this Indian journalist has a firm grasp of developments and
is an accurate commentator.' - Reviews in Religion & Theology, Vol
11, issue 3, 2004' ... the earlier sections are entertaining and
well worth perusing.' - The Houston Chronicle'A glossary,
chronology, reading list, and table of biographical sketches add to
the book's usefulness.' - Library Journal Reviews'The Shade of
Swords is the most honest and candid survey produced in print about
the roots of rage in Islam and Christianity.' - www.atimes.com'In
the crowded category of works on the historical forces behind
September 11, Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda, this book stands out
... Akbar writes well, tu
'An excellent new book by the distinguished Indian journalist M.J.
Akbar traces the centuries-long history of the conflict between
Islam and Christianity, inflamed today by the world dominance of
the US.' - The Guardian
'Wide-ranging and very readable account of the varied
interpretations of the concept through history.' - The
Statesman
'A whirlwind tour of Islamic history ... reminds us that although
Islamism per se, and with it jihad, periodically falls into
abeyance, it never vanishes for good.' - Sunday Times
'Akbar makes some telling points ... [a]nd it's hard to argue with
his conclusion: "Defeat is only a setback in the holy war. The
jihad goes on."' - Washington Post
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