Historical Atlas of the Islamic World

Rarely has Islamic culture been so at the forefront of popular consciousness in the Western world as it is today. At the same time, sadly, much of what the general public believe they know about Islam is incorrect, and is based on widespread myths or prejudices. The current interest in Islam would alone justify the publication of a book such as this. At the same time, however, the religion, culture, civilization, and arts of Islam are so rich and fascinating in their own right that they deserve to be better known.Historical Atlas of the Islamic World focuses on Islamic history from before the time of the Prophet Mohammed until the start of the 16th century A.D. Through a lively text, specially created maps, and full-color photographs and illustrations, this book traces the fascinating rise of early Islamic civilization and its remarkably swift expansion to the edges of the Atlantic in the west and the Pacific Rim in the east. It also emphasizes Islam's vital role in the preservation, extension, and transfer of ancient classical sciences to late medieval and renaissance Europe.