Islam: A Short History

Islam is the world’s fastest-growing religion — and the most feared. Although, as Edward Gibbon noted, “The greatest success of Mohammed’s life was effected by sheer moral force without the stroke of a sword,” Westerners continue to fear the onslaught of legions of fanatical Muslims. Karen Armstrong, perhaps the most eloquent of religious historians, approaches this history of a world faith with the same blend of tolerance and exactitude that made her A History of God such an ecumenical visitation.