People of the Book: The Forgotten History of Islam and the West

People of the Book, The Forgotten History of Islam and the West--------------------------------------------------We live in a world polarized by the ongoing conflict between Muslims,Christians and Jews, but -- in an extraordinary narrative spanningfourteen centuries -- Zachary Karabell argues that the relationshipbetween Islam and the West has never been simply one of animosity andcompetition, but has also comprised long periods of cooperation andcoexistence. Through a rich tapestry of stories and a compelling castof characters, People of the Book uncovers known history, and forgottenhistory, as Karabell takes the reader on an extraordinary journey throughthe Arab and Ottoman empires, the Crusades and the Catholic Reconquistaand into the modern era, as he examines the vibrant examples of discordand concord that have existed between these monotheistic faiths. Byhistorical standards, today's fissure between Islam and the West isnot exceptional, but because of weapons of mass destruction, that fissurehas the potential to undo us more than ever before. This is reasonenough to look back and remember that Christians, Jews and Muslimshave lived constructively with one another. They have fought and taughteach other, and they have learned from one another. Retrieving thisforgotten history is a vital ingredient to a more stable, secure world.--------------------------------------------------Author Biography: Zachary Karabell studied History at Columbia andhas a further degree in Modern Middle East Studies from Oxford anda doctorate from Harvard. He has written widely on religion and humanrights, American politics, foreign policy and international affairs.