The Qur'an: A Biography (Books That Changed the World) - Hardcover

Lawrence, Bruce

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0871139510 ISBN 13: 9780871139511

Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2007

Synopsis

Few books in history have been as poorly understood as the Qur’an.  Sent down in a series of revelations to the Prophet Muhammad, the Qur’an is the unmediated word of Allah, a ritual, political, and legal authority, an ethical and spiritual guide, and a literary masterpiece.  In this book, one of the launch titles in Atlantic Monthly Press’ Books That Changed the World” series, the distinguished historian of religion Bruce Lawrence shows precisely how the Qur’an is Islam.  He describes the origins of the faith and assesses its tremendous influence on today’s societies and politics.  Above all, Lawrence emphasizes that the Qur’an is a sacred book of signs that has no single message.  It is a book that demands interpretation and one that can be properly understood only through its history. Bruce Lawrence’s work is a beautifully written and, in these increasingly troubled times, invaluable introduction to and exploration of the core sacred text of Islam.

About this title

About the Author

Bruce Lawrence is the Nancy and Jeffrey Marcus Humanities Professor of Religion at Duke University and the author or editor of numerous books, including Shattering the Myth: Islam Beyond Violence.

From AudioFile

An informed person today requires knowledge of Islam, and general readers will find Bruce Lawrences introduction to the religion a worthwhile effort. Through explanations and interpretations of the holy book as well as a biography of the first prophet, Mohammed, one can gain a rudimentary understanding of this ancient and catholic faith. Michael Prichards comfort with foreign names and words makes the deluge of dogma easier to understand and digest than the text alone. His smooth voice makes difficult concepts, including the differences between the Sunni and Shiite sects, find relevance in todays globalized civilization under continuous religious conflicts. Without this pleasant and avuncular narrator, some of the meaning in verses from the ancient book could be painful to absorb. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

About this edition

• Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0871139510
• ISBN 13: 9780871139511
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256