Politics, Gender, and the Islamic Past - (Legacy of 'A'isha Bint ABI Bakr) by D A Spellberg (Paperback)

About the Book

Examines the life of 'A'isha bint Abi Bakr, Muhammad's most beloved and controversial wife, and a central figure in Islamic cultural history. Instead of employing the traditional chronological technique of the biographer, however, Spellberg uses 'A'isha as a lens through which to examine the place of women in Islamic societies.

Book Synopsis

In this extraordinary study, D. A. Spellberg examines the life of 'A'isha bint Abi Bakr, Muhammad's most beloved and controversial wife, and a central figure in Islamic cultural history. Instead of employing the traditional chronological technique of the biographer, however, Spellberg uses 'A'isha as a lens through which to examine the place of women in Islamic societies.

Review Quotes

The book is a rare treat. Well researched and well written, it approaches the issue of Islamic biography from a fresh and engaging perspective.... An exciting contribution to the developing body of literature identified under the general but changing rubric of feminist.-- "International Journal of Middle East Studies"

About the Author

D. A. Spellberg is associate professor of history and Middle Eastern studies at the University of Texas at Austin.