Description
Book SynopsisThis book introduces the literature of Islam as it is presented in English translation. For scholars in other fields who need to understand the vast and complex literary heritage of this erudite and vigorous faith community (but are unable to devote years of their lives to achieving a reading proficiency in classical Arabic), for faculty members called upon to teach introductory or survey courses outside their own disciplines, and for graduate students in theology, medieval studies, world religions, or related fields who need access to these primary sources in English translation, The Literature of Islam is a welcome resource. Even lay readers who are interested in understanding the modern Arab or Islamic world may grasp something of the currents of thought and belief through the centuries that produced these important works, which continue to exert a powerful influence upon Muslims today. The primary literatures of Islam are normally classified into several areas of study: the canonical literature, the interpretation of scripture and tradition, law, theology, philosophy, history, and mysticism. Entries here are organized into these areas of study and represent the most significant texts from important trends in the discipline. The volume also includes an extensive bibliography that lists the editions of primary sources analyzed in each chapter. There are also some suggestions for secondary reading, which might be helpful to a student seeking additional information about each genre of literature.
Trade ReviewReference librarian and archivist Paula (Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education, Virginia) and Rebecca, a scholar of Arabic studies, present a critically annotated bibliography of central works on Islam that are available in English translation. They write for readers who are acquainted with the basic ideas, history, and cultural expressions of Islam but are not specialists who will have read the texts in their original languages. * Reference and Research Book News *
...Paula and Rebecca Skreslet have provided both a starting point and a path for analysis of the very complex religion of Islam that is certain to open the eyes of any serious student....highly recommended for all levels. * American Reference Books Annual, vol. 38 (2007) *
...a very useful introduction to the most significant Islamic works that are available in English translation....an indispenable tool... * International Bulletin of Mission Research, July 2007, Vol. 31, No. 3 *
...a useful guide for building collections of Islamic texts in authoritative and reliable English translations. Highly recommended. * CHOICE, October 2007, Vol. 45, No. 2 *
...excellent and very useful....an extraordinarily useful and welcome resource....highly recommended reading.... * College & Research Libraries, Vol. 68, No. 5 (September 2007) *
The Literature of Islam is a timely, accessible and authoritative resource. It will be a useful addition to any university library, and retails at an affordable price for the individual. -- Simon Barrett * s, V. 21, No.8, 2007 *
Concise but informative introductions to each chapter and to major thinkers provide background for understanding the significance of the works surveyed, and each work is presented with meticulous attention to the quality of the translation, as well as introductions, annotations, indexes, and other appendices. The author's critical judgments are presented with insight and verve. I will keep my copy of this book within reach, and will happily recommend it to teaching colleagues, librarians, and graduate students. -- . * Interpretation, April 2008 *
Table of ContentsPart 1 Preface Part 2 Acknowledgments Part 3 List of Abbreviations Chapter 4 1. The Qur'an: Text and Translation Chapter 5 2. The Traditions: Hadith Chapter 6 3. Exegesis of the Qur'an: Tafsir Chapter 7 4. Law and Legal Theory: Shari'a and Fiqh Chapter 8 5. History and Historiography: Ta'rikh Chapter 9 6. Philosophy: Falsafa Chapter 10 7. Theology: Kalam Chapter 11 8. Spirituality and Mysticism: Tasawwuf Part 12 Appendix: General Anthologies of Primary Literature Part 13 Glossary Part 14 Bibliography of Works Discussed Part 15 Name Index Part 16 Title Index Part 17 Subject Index Part 18 About the Authors
