Muslim Spain Reconsidered - (New Edinburgh Islamic Surveys) by Richard Hitchcock (Paperback)

About the Book

Covers the period from 711 to1502, giving readers a substantial overview of what it was that made Muslim Spain a unique and successful society, and of its powerful legacy in the formation of modern Spain.

Book Synopsis

A comprehensive survey of Muslim Spain from 711-1502.
This introduction to Muslim Spain covers the period from 711 to1502, giving readers a substantial overview of what it was that made it a unique and successful society, and of its powerful legacy in the formation of modern Spain.
Using a chronological framework and pushing the main historical developments to the forefront, the author keeps in view the shifting social patterns caused by the changing balance between town and country, major and minor dynasties, foreign groupings and repeated invasions from North Africa. He also includes discussion of topics such as inter-faith relations, multi-ethnic competing groups, and how intellectual life was enriched by pluralism and influence from abroad.

From the Back Cover

A comprehensive new survey of Muslim Spain from 711-1502 What made Muslim Spain a unique and successful society? By adopting a multidisciplinary approach within a chronological framework, Richard Hitchcock explores the nature of its powerful legacy in the formation of modern Spain, whilst constantly keeping in view the shifting social patterns caused by the changing balance between town and country, constant military activity, and environmental concerns. The focus is on the main historical developments in al-Andalus such as the eventual establishment of Islam, the splendour of the Caliphate, the disintegration of central authority, the invasions from North Africa and the continual struggle to retain independence when confronted with the increasingly powerful Kingdoms of Aragon and Castile. There is also wide-ranging discussion of inter-faith relations, and intellectual currents created by a unique synthesis of pluralism and external influences. Richard Hitchcock is Emeritus Professor of Hispano-Arabic Studies at the University of Exeter. He has written extensively on the history and literature of Muslim Spain, and is author of Mozarabs in Medieval and Early Modern Spain: Identities and Influences (2008).

Review Quotes

'a helpful and very much needed resource for students studying the history of medieval Spain. This is especially true at a time when medieval Spain is looked at in order to find paradigms for interreligious relations. Hitchcock offers a helpful corrective where such aspirations could be overstated and helpful analysis of contexts where such possibilities may indeed be found. With this in mind, Muslims Spain Reconsidered should be among the small number of texts read by those wanting to learn more about medieval Spain.'

--Charles L. Tieszen, Fuller Theological Seminary, Sacramento "Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations "

'Both students and scholars of Andalusi history will find this work refreshing, instructive, and valuable in several respects. Hitchcock directs the reader to tensions between city and village and between center and frontier as central themes in the early history of al-Andalus; he assesses the impact of natural disasters such as droughts and earthquakes on socioeconomic and political history and inclines toward understanding people's movement and behaviors through the lens of political and economic motivation as opposed to religious considerations.'

- Ross Brann, Speculum 89/4 (October 2014)

--Ross Brann, Cornell University "Speculum 89/4 "

About the Author

Richard Hitchcock is a emeritus professor at the University of Exeter. He is author or editor of several books including The Kharjas (Boydell & Brewer), Studies on the Muwassah and the Kharja (Ithaca Press), Mozarebs in Medieval and Early Modern Spain (Ashgate) and The Arab Influence in Medieval Europe (Ithaca Press).