|
Jerusalem
in History
edited by Kamal J. Asali
updated with a new introduction by Rashid
Khalidi
The city
of Jerusalem has a special place in the
consciousness of the great monotheistic
religions. Throughout its history it has
been the site of glories and catastrophes;
a place that has been witness to transition
and occupation by a diversity of peoples
and an object of pilgrimage through the
centuries.
This important
work begins to provide a comprehensive outline
of the amazing history of the city. It moves
from the Bronze Age to the tensions of present-day
Jerusalem and presents a balanced and authentic
picture, that helps to correct the often
distorted images of the city presented over
the last fifty years.
About the
Author
Kamil J. Asali
is the author of fifteen books on the Islamic
heritage of Jerusalem. He received his PhD
in philosophy from the University of Humboldt
in Berlin.
Rashid Khalidi
is Professor of Middle East History and
Director of the Center for International
Studies at the University of Chicago.
Reviews
"In nine essays, scholars from seven
countries seek to fill in the gaps in the
historical treatment of Jerusalem and its
multi-religious tradition. The scope of
the book is broad, ranging from the fourth
century B.C.E. to the present. The editor,
a preeminent and recently deceased Islamic
historian, follows his clearly stated intention
of providing what he regards as the balance
necessary to an understanding of various
religious groups' identity within Jerusalem.
The essays cover Jewish, Muslim, and, to
a lesser extent, Christian heritage. The
development is purely chronological, moving
from early tribal settlements through the
empires of Rome and Byzantium, the emergence
of Islam, the conflict with Christian Crusaders,
and the rise of the Ottomans to, finally,
dominance by the West. A useful addition
to collections that seek to serve broad
interests and Middle Eastern history."
-Sanford R. Silverburg, Library Journal
Related Links
Jerusalemites
website
|
