The Isma'ilis: Their History and Doctrines - Softcover

Daftary, Farhad

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521429749 ISBN 13: 9780521429740

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1992

Synopsis

This authoritative book traces the history and doctrinal development of the Isma'ili movement from its origins to the present day, a period of twelve centuries. It is the first comprehensive synthesis of the scattered results of modern scholarship on the subject and it draws on numerous primary and secondary texts, and particularly a number of private Isma'ili manuscripts that have recently become available. All the major phases of Isma'ili history are covered. From the pre-Fatimid period, Dr. Daftary conducts a detailed investigation through the Fatimid "golden age" and the troubled Musta'li-Tayyibi period up to the spiritual and physical strengths of Mizari Isma'ilism in Syria and Iran before the onslaught of the Mongols. The last part of the book discusses the modern developments of Isma'ilism, particularly in Iran and on the Indian subcontinent. For all students of Islamic and Middle Eastern history this volume will serve as the most definitive account yet of the history of the Isma'ilis and their movement.

About this title

Book Description:

Scattered across the globe, the Isma'ilis constitute the second largest Shi'i community in the Muslim World. This study traces their history and doctrinal developments from their origins to the present day over a period of twelve centuries.

Review:

"Daftary's work is as clear and comprehensible in style as a book on this subject could be and makes very agreeable reading, with nuggets of valuable information in every chapter." Middle East Journal

"This is an impressive survey of real weight in both its scholarship and physical size....If it is primarily a historical work, Daftary has not ignored the doctrinal development of the Isma'ilis. All the major medieval authors, like al-Hamidi, al-Kirmani and al-Sijistani, have been consulted, as well as many secondary sources, and doctrinal developments are placed next to the historical and political. The resulting book is likely to become a standard text for all students and scholars of one of Shi'ite Islam's most fascinating and complex branches." Ian Richard Netton, The Times Literary Supplement

"...truly an impressive accomplishment as well as a rewarding and pleasant read for anyone even remotely interested in Islamic history. Without a doubt, it will deservedly remain the standard scholarly work on things Ism^D-a^D-il^D-i for some time to come." James E. Lindsay,Journal of Near Eastern Studies

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0521429749
• ISBN 13: 9780521429740
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 803