al-Tabari: A Medieval Muslim Historian and His Work. With a New Foreword by the Editor

The volume discusses the works of Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari, the greatest historian of the early Islamic world, covering his life, work, sources, and intellectual legacy. It examines the history, archaeology, architecture, and literature of the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond from the time of the Prophet until the fifteenth century, grouped around four major themes. It raises questions about his biases and prejudices and whether he was a propagandist for the Abbasid dynasty or a passer on of traditions. It is the first attempt to answer these questions and is essential for anyone interested in the early Islamic world or comparative historiography.

Format: Hardback
Length: 394 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: Gerlach Press

The volume under discussion is a comprehensive exploration of the life and works of Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari (d. 932 CE), widely recognized as the greatest historian of the early Islamic world. A distinguished group of international scholars delves into various aspects of his life, including his intellectual legacy, sources, and work. The volume is organized around four major themes: Caliphate and power, economy and society, Abbasids, and frontiers and others. These themes encompass the history, archaeology, architecture, and literature of the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond, from the time of the Prophet until the fifteenth century. The contributions in this volume shed light on the various aspects of the early Islamic world, including the Caliphate's rise and fall, economic and social developments, the Abbasid dynasty's rule, and the expansion of the Islamic world's frontiers. However, it is challenging to categorize al-Tabari as solely an author or editor, as he often repackaged earlier works while fully acknowledging their contributions. This raises questions about his biases and prejudices, and whether he was a propagandist for the Abbasid dynasty or simply a transmitter of the traditions he encountered. This volume, which brings together some of the most eminent scholars of early Arabic historiography, is the first attempt to address these questions and is of fundamental importance to anyone interested in the early Islamic world or comparative historiography.

Dimension: 248 x 165 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783959941129
Edition number: 2 New edition