Product Description

The study of early Islamic historical tradition has flourished with the emergence of a new and innovative scholarship no longer dependent on more traditional narratival approaches. Chase Robinson’s book, which takes full account of the research available, interweaves history and historiography to interpret the political, social and economic transformations in the Mesopotamian region after the Islamic conquests. Using Arabic and Syriac sources to elaborate his argument, the author focuses on the Muslim and Christian élites, demonstrating that the immediate effects of the conquests were in fact modest ones. Significant social change took place only at the end of the seventh century with the imposition of Marwanid rule. Even then, the author argues, social power was diffused in the hands of local élites. This is a sophisticated study at the cutting edge of a burgeoning field in Islamic studies.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3227716 in Books
• Published on: 2000-12-21
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 222 pages

Review
‘This book is an excellent contribution to early Islamic history. By concentrating on a small area, almost a microcosm, which has a particularly rich historiographical tradition, Robinson has made a major contribution to our understanding of the more general processes of the formation of the Islamic state.’ History

'For its intended audience… the book will no doubt be welcomed as an impressive and highly accomplished treatment of its subject. Indeed, it is at the cutting edge of contemporary scholarship on early Islam in many respects. The author's command of sources in exhaustive.' Elton L. Daniel, University of Hawaii

‘… rich in detail … a definitive work …’ Bulletin of the School of Oriental & African Studies

About the Author
Chase F. Robinson is Lecturer in Islamic History at the University of Oxford.

Customer Reviews

Great stuff from a great historian
Despite the rather long-winded off-putting title, the merits of this admirable book by far outway what petty predudices one might have against long-winded titles. It is told briskly and Robinson's embracing energy for his subject make this a extremely learned and acconplished study of the transformation of Northern Mesopotamia.In an area one might think of as dull and despite that fact that he had very little to work with, Robinson has managed to turn the equivalent of a sleeping pill into a lively and engaging piece of work.All conclusions drawn are highly intelligent and backed up with high-ranking research, worthy of a much more experienced historian. It is clear that Dr. Robinson churning out work of a much more high standard than one would expect of just a Dr. - I think it is a travesty that he has not yet been appointed a Professor, a title that would fit him most becomingly.