Kingdoms of Faith: A New History of Islamic Spain

Islamic Spain was a complex civilization that transformed the Western world, built by Muslims, Christians, and Jews, with religion often being the language of conflict but not its cause. Kingdoms of Faith rewrites Spain's Islamic past from the ground up, evoking the cultural splendour of al-Andalus and the many forces that shaped it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 07 January 2021
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

Islamic Spain has been portrayed in various ways in the past, with accounts ranging from a paradise of enlightened tolerance to a site of civilizational clashes. However, award-winning historian Brian A. Catlos offers a more nuanced perspective in his book, "Kingdoms of Faith: Rewriting Spain's Islamic Past." Catlos delves into a wide array of original sources to present a more complex picture of Islamic Spain, highlighting how Muslims, Christians, and Jews coexisted and collaborated to build a sophisticated civilization that had a profound impact on the Western world.

Despite their shared cultural heritage, the three religious groups were often engaged in relentless warfare against each other and within themselves. Religion was often used as a tool for conflict, but it was seldom the root cause of these conflicts. This lesson is particularly relevant in our own time, as we continue to navigate complex religious and social dynamics.

"Kingdoms of Faith" offers a fresh perspective on Spain's Islamic past, evoking the cultural splendor of al-Andalus and the many forces that shaped it. The book explores the political, social, and economic dynamics of the Islamic world, as well as the contributions of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish scholars, artists, and intellectuals. It also sheds light on the complex relationships between the different religious groups and the challenges they faced in their interactions.

Overall, "Kingdoms of Faith" is a valuable contribution to the study of Islamic history and culture. It provides a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of Islamic Spain and its impact on the world. By exploring the interactions between Muslims, Christians, and Jews, the book offers a lesson in tolerance, cooperation, and the potential for cultural exchange and collaboration in a diverse and complex world.

Weight: 636g
Dimension: 141 x 216 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787384101