In the Shadow of the Sword: The Birth of Islam and the Rise of the Global Arab Empire

by Tom Holland
In the Shadow of the Sword: The Birth of Islam and the Rise of the Global Arab Empire cover
Good Books rating 3.17
History
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  • ID: 8024
  • Added: 2025-12-20
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780385531368
  • Publisher: Anchor
  • Published: 2012-05-15
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In the Shadow of the Sword by Tom Holland is a panoramic historical account that recounts the dramatic rise of Islam and the fall of the ancient world. Written with verve and panache, this book describes how the Arabs overcame immense odds to create a vast empire, with aspects of their civilization enduring to the present day. Holland's narrative is rich in drama and character, offering a thrilling exploration of one of history's most consequential ages./n/nThe book is not just a thrilling historical account but also a profound exploration of the abiding impact of this convulsive age. Holland's accessible yet delightful writing style makes the complex history engaging and fun to read, akin to a thriller but with rich intellectual content. The story has profound implications for understanding the most consequential events of our time.

Reviews
The StoryGraph · 2025-12-20
disappointing 2.00

The reviewer finds Tom Holland's writing style boring and confusing, despite being fascinated by the topics he covers.

This reviewer expresses a deep fascination with the topics Tom Holland explores in his book, but they find his non-fiction writing style to be boring and confusing. They mention that the book leaves them feeling unsatisfied and that they wish they could enjoy Holland's work more. The reviewer suggests that while the subject matter is intriguing, the execution falls short of their expectations, making it difficult to fully appreciate the historical narrative.

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    I really really wish I liked to read Tom Holland more. I'm fascinated by his topics.

    However, his non-fiction writing leaves me bored, confused, and unsatisfied.

    The book is not what I expected, and I found it hard to follow at times.

Claremont Review of Books · 2025-12-20
engaging 4.00

The book provides a vivid and dramatic account of the early Islamic world, highlighting the complex interplay of politics, religion, and culture. It offers a fresh perspective on a pivotal period in history, though some may question the accuracy of certain interpretations.

This review delves into the rich narrative of Tom Holland's work, which spans from Constantinople to the Arabian desert, featuring some of the most remarkable rulers of the time. The reviewer appreciates the dramatic and vivid storytelling, which brings to life the early Islamic world. However, they also note that the book's interpretations may not be universally accepted, and some readers might find certain historical claims contentious. The reviewer suggests that while the book is engaging and thought-provoking, it should be read with a critical eye, especially by those familiar with the intricacies of early Islamic history.

Quick quotes

    A review of In the Shadow of the Sword: The Birth of Islam and the Rise of the Global Arab Empire, by Tom Holland

    The book provides a vivid and dramatic account of the early Islamic world, highlighting the complex interplay of politics, religion, and culture.

    It offers a fresh perspective on a pivotal period in history, though some may question the accuracy of certain interpretations.

LibraryThing · 2015-09-22
informative 3.50

The book is a lively read that offers deep insights into the world in which Islam emerged, but it raises questions about the author's accuracy and biases.

This reviewer found Tom Holland's book to be a lively and engaging read, providing a wealth of information about the early Islamic world. However, they also express concerns about the author's potential biases and the accuracy of some of the historical claims made in the book. The reviewer suggests that while the book is fascinating and informative, it should be approached with a critical mindset, especially by those who are well-versed in the subject matter. They highlight the need for further research and verification of the facts presented in the book.

Quick quotes

    I just finished Tom Holland's In the shadow of the Sword. It seems a lively read, but to what extent has he been misleading, or ill-informed?

    The book is pretty fascinating with lots of deep information about the world in which Islam came from.

    If you're looking to learn about the actual history of Islam, this book is a good starting point, but it should be supplemented with other sources.

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