Islam and the West

by Bernard Lewis
Islam and the West cover
Good Books rating 4.1
History, Identity, Culture, Sociology
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  • ID: 8022
  • Added: 2025-12-20
  • Updated: 2025-12-20
  • ISBN: 9780195090611
  • Publisher: OUP USA
  • Published: 1993-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

In this highly-praised collection of essays, extensively revised, Bernard Lewis delves into the vast common heritage shared by Islam and the West, tracing the history of their troubled relationship. He examines the perceptions each side holds of the other, providing a matchless guide to the background of Middle East conflicts today. Lewis's expertise and insight make this a crucial read for understanding the complexities of these cultural and historical interactions./n/nLewis's work is not just a historical account but also a profound analysis of the cultural and political dynamics that have shaped the relationship between Islam and the West. His essays offer a nuanced perspective on the misunderstandings and conflicts that have arisen over centuries, making it an essential read for anyone interested in international relations and cultural studies.

Reviews
Edge Induced Cohesion · 2019-02-12
insightful 4.00

The book offers a deep dive into the historical and cultural encounters between Islam and the West, providing a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship. The essays are thought-provoking and well-researched, offering valuable insights into the historical context of current conflicts.

This collection of essays provides a comprehensive exploration of the interactions between Islam and the West over the centuries. The author delves into the historical context, highlighting the cultural and political dynamics that have shaped the relationship between these two regions. The essays are well-structured and offer a balanced perspective, making it a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of the Middle East today. The book is particularly insightful in its analysis of the impact of Western influence on the Middle East, providing a nuanced view that goes beyond simplistic narratives.

Quick quotes

    The book offers a deep dive into the historical and cultural encounters between Islam and the West.

    The essays are thought-provoking and well-researched, offering valuable insights into the historical context of current conflicts.

    The author delves into the historical context, highlighting the cultural and political dynamics that have shaped the relationship between these two regions.

ProQuest · Andrej Kreutz · 1994-01-01
learned 4.20

The book is described as a very learned and thoughtful work, offering a deep understanding of the historical and cultural interactions between Islam and the West. It is praised for its balanced and nuanced perspective.

Reviewed by Andrej Kreutz, this book is lauded for its scholarly approach and thoughtful analysis of the historical and cultural interactions between Islam and the West. The author's expertise is evident, providing readers with a deep understanding of the complex dynamics that have shaped the relationship between these two regions. The book's balanced and nuanced perspective is particularly noteworthy, offering a comprehensive view that goes beyond simplistic narratives. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Middle Eastern studies, providing insights that are both relevant and timely.

Quick quotes

    Professor Bernard Lewis' book, Islam and the West is a very learned and thoughtful work.

    The book is praised for its balanced and nuanced perspective.

    The author's expertise is evident, providing readers with a deep understanding of the complex dynamics.

Goodreads · 1993-01-01
erudite 4.10

The book is praised for its erudite analysis and important insights into the history of the Middle East. It is considered a matchless guide to understanding the background of current conflicts.

Hailed as a significant contribution to the field, this book is celebrated for its deep and thoughtful analysis of the historical and cultural interactions between Islam and the West. The author's expertise shines through, providing readers with a well-rounded understanding of the complex dynamics at play. The essays are not only informative but also engaging, making it a must-read for anyone interested in Middle Eastern studies. The book's insights are particularly relevant in today's context, offering a historical perspective that helps contextualize current events.

Quick quotes

    Hailed in The New York Times Book Review as 'the doyen of Middle Eastern studies.'

    The book is praised for its erudite analysis and important insights into the history of the Middle East.

    It is considered a matchless guide to understanding the background of current conflicts.

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