Summary of A History of Islamic Societies

A History of Islamic Societies is an expertly written and comprehensive overview of the Islamic world from the birth of Islam to the present day. Written by Ira Lapidus, the book is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different period of Islamic history. The first part covers the formative period, from the 7th century emergence of Islam to the 16th century decline of the Ottoman Empire. The second part focuses on the period of European imperialism and the rise of nation-states in the Islamic world. The third part looks at the contemporary period, beginning with the decline of European and regional powers in the 20th century and ending with the present day. Throughout the book, Lapidus examines the role of the Islamic faith in societal development, the major political and economic forces at work in the Islamic world, and the impact of social change on Islamic society. The book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the history and society of the Islamic world.