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Overview
The Koran has constituted a remarkably resilient core of identity and continuity for a religious tradition that is now in its fifteenth century. In this Very Short Introduction, Michael Cook provides a lucid and direct account of the significance of the Koran both in the modern world and in that of traditional Islam. He gives vivid accounts of its role in Muslim civilization, illustrates the diversity of interpretations championed by traditional and modern commentators, discusses the processes by which the book took shape, and compares it to other scriptures and classics of the historic cultures of Eurasia.
About the Series: Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam.
Synopsis
The Koran has constituted a remarkably resilient core of identity and continuity for a religious tradition that is now in its fifteenth century. In this Very Short Introduction, Michael Cook provides a lucid and direct account of the significance of the Koran both in the modern world and in that of traditional Islam. He gives vivid accounts of its role in Muslim civilization, illustrates the diversity of interpretations championed by traditional and modern commentators, discusses the processes by which the book took shape, and compares it to other scriptures and classics of the historic cultures of Eurasia.
Times Literary Supplement - Irwin
Michael Cook's approach to the Koran is intelligent, incisive and original. I would guess that even specialists would learn something...Cook, a professor of Near Eastern studies at Princeton University, starts by putting himself on a level with readers who know nothing whatsoever about the contents of the Koran or the context of its revelation...
Editorials
Irwin
Michael Cook's approach to the Koran is intelligent, incisive and original. I would guess that even specialists would learn something...Cook, a professor of Near Eastern studies at Princeton University, starts by putting himself on a level with readers who know nothing whatsoever about the contents of the Koran or the context of its revelation...—Times Literary Supplement