The Jews of Islam

by Bernard Lewis
The Jews of Islam cover
Good Books rating 3.77
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  • ID: 7631
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780691160870
  • Publisher: Princeton University Press
  • Published: 2014-09-28
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 'The Jews of Islam,' Bernard Lewis delves into the intricate dynamics of Jewish life within Islamic societies, offering a nuanced perspective that shatters common misconceptions. Lewis provides a detailed examination of the Muslims' attitude toward Judaism, presenting a balanced view that counters both the image of the fanatical warrior and the idealized notion of an interfaith utopia. /n/nSet against a backdrop of vivid historical narratives, this book illuminates the Judaeo-Islamic tradition, highlighting the unique experiences and contributions of Jewish communities in Islamic countries. Lewis's scholarly approach offers readers a deeper understanding of the cultural and religious interactions that have shaped these communities over centuries.

Reviews
ResearchGate · Denisov Andrew Evgenievich · 2025-08-07
comprehensive 3.80

The review offers a detached and critical perspective on the book, acknowledging its strengths while pointing out areas for further exploration. The author's scholarly approach is commended.

Denisov Andrew Evgenievich provides a detached and critical perspective on Bernard Lewis's book, acknowledging its strengths while pointing out areas for further exploration. The review commends the author's scholarly approach and the book's ability to probe Muslims' attitudes toward Jews and Judaism. While the review is critical in some aspects, it ultimately acknowledges the book's value as a significant contribution to the field. The reviewer suggests that the book offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in the subject.

Quick quotes

    The book probes Muslims' attitudes toward Jews and Judaism as a special case of their view of other religious minorities.

    The review offers a detached and critical perspective on the book.

    The author's scholarly approach is commended.

The New York Times · Anthony Lewis · 1985-07-21
intriguing 3.50

The book delves into the complex history of Jewish-Muslim relations, highlighting the nuances and contradictions. The author's scholarly approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

In this review, Anthony Lewis discusses Bernard Lewis's exploration of the historical relationship between Jews and Muslims. He praises the author's ability to navigate the intricate and often contradictory history of Jewish-Muslim relations. Lewis's scholarly approach is noted for its depth and nuance, offering a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The review suggests that the book is a valuable contribution to the field, providing insights that are both informative and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    Bernard Lewis sets out to re-examine the broader pattern of a Judeo-Islamic tradition from its origins in Arabia.

    The book is a valuable contribution to the field, providing insights that are both informative and thought-provoking.

    Lewis's scholarly approach is noted for its depth and nuance.

Goodreads · Goodreads Community · 1983-12-31
enlightening 4.00

Readers appreciate the vivid historical background and the detailed examination of Jewish and Islamic history. The book is praised for its insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage.

The Goodreads community highlights the vivid historical background and detailed examination of Jewish and Islamic history in Bernard Lewis's book. Readers appreciate the insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage, which provide a deeper understanding of the subject. The book is praised for its ability to probe the Muslims' attitude toward Judaism as a special case of their view of other religious minorities. Overall, the community finds the book to be a valuable and enlightening read.

Quick quotes

    Against a vivid background of Jewish and Islamic history, Bernard Lewis portrays the Judaeo-Islamic tradition.

    The book is praised for its insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage.

    Readers appreciate the detailed examination of Jewish and Islamic history.

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