This work is a profound journey to uncover the transformative role of Islam in shaping global history. With a keen eye and a storyteller’s flair, Briggs presents a collection of essays that challenge dominant Eurocentric narratives. He illuminates pivotal moments in history where Muslim civilisations significantly influenced the realms of science, culture, trade, and politics, while also examining how Western responses to Islam have shaped the modern world.
From the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire and its relationship with the Muslim Caliphate to the oral traditions of West Africa and the scholarly exchanges of Al-Andalus, Briggs explores the intellectual brilliance of the Islamic Golden Age alongside the geopolitical legacies of the Crusades and the Ottoman Empire. Briggs masterfully examines how crucial events, such as the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism, were informed by both Islamic and anti-Islamic dynamics. He highlights key moments when the Muslim and Western worlds collided and collaborated, reshaping global history, offering a fresh perspective on the history of the modern era.
Filled with fascinating anecdotes, thought-provoking essays, and a call to rediscover forgotten legacies, Islam and the Making of the Modern World is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of our shared global heritage. This book is not just about reclaiming the past; it’s about understanding how history has shaped the present and envisioning a reimagined future. It is a must-read for history enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone looking for a deeper understanding of our world's complexities.
Contents
1. How Often Do You Think About The Roman Empire?
2. Arabic Numerals
3. The Lion King
4. Crosses, Crowns, and Colonies
5. The Moors: from Majorca to Michigan
6. The Sick Man of Europe
7. The Poet of The East
8. A Reflection Down Under
9. The Next Chapter