
The Qur'an
A Biography
Bruce Lawrence(Author)
Atlantic Books (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 9. August 2007
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-1-84354-399-2 (ISBN)
Description
The Qur'an: A Biography is a beautifully written and authoritative account of one of the world's most famous, and most misunderstood books.
Few books in history are as poorly read or understood as the Qur'an. Sent down in a series of revelations to the Prophet Muhammad, it is regarded by the faithful as the unmediated word of Allah. It is revered by Muslims throughout the world, it inspires unparalleled levels of devotion, passion, fear and, sometimes, incomprehension.
In this book, the distinguished scholar Bruce Lawrence shows precisely why the Qur'an is Islam. He describes the origins of the faith in seventh-century Arabia and looks at why the Qur'an needs to be both memorized and recited by its followers. Lawrence also discusses the book's many doubters and commentators and assesses its important influence in societies and politics today. Above all, Lawrence emphasizes that the Qur'an demands interpretation, and can only be properly understood through its history.
Few books in history are as poorly read or understood as the Qur'an. Sent down in a series of revelations to the Prophet Muhammad, it is regarded by the faithful as the unmediated word of Allah. It is revered by Muslims throughout the world, it inspires unparalleled levels of devotion, passion, fear and, sometimes, incomprehension.
In this book, the distinguished scholar Bruce Lawrence shows precisely why the Qur'an is Islam. He describes the origins of the faith in seventh-century Arabia and looks at why the Qur'an needs to be both memorized and recited by its followers. Lawrence also discusses the book's many doubters and commentators and assesses its important influence in societies and politics today. Above all, Lawrence emphasizes that the Qur'an demands interpretation, and can only be properly understood through its history.
Reviews / Votes
"'An exceptionally illuminating and balanced narrative.' Ziuddin Sardar, Independent * 'Lawrence's work could not be finer.' Stuart Kelly, Scotland on Sunday * 'Admirably balanced and informative.' John Gray, New Statesman * 'Compendious, clear and engaged... this series is a big success.' A.C. Grayling, The Times * 'These well written stories of great books serve as finger-licking, appetite-whetting hors d'oeuvre.' Ziauddin Sardar, Independent"More details
Series
Edition
Main
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 130 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
240 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-84354-399-2 (9781843543992)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Person
Bruce Lawrence, Professor of Islamic Studies at DukeUniversity, the author of the award-winning book, Defenders of God: the Fundamentalist Revolt against the Modern World, and editor of the acclaimed Messages to the World: The Statements of Osama bin Laden.