Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Fatimids in the perspective of the literature; 2. The Mahdi: Faith and the formation of the dynastic state, 874-947; 3. The Imam: Faith and the formation of the empire, 947-996; 4. The Caliph: Faith and government, 973-1045; 5. The crisis of empire, 1009-1074; 6. The restoration of the Caliph and the repudiation of the Imam, 1074-1131; 7. The demise of the Caliph, 1131-1171; 8. The Fatimid empire in comparative perspective.

About the Author

Michael Brett is Emeritus Reader in the History of North Africa, SOAS, University of London.