The pocket timeline of Islamic civilizations.

Fritschel, Ann

The Pocket Timeline of Islamic Civilizations (Interlink Books, $13.95) presents a concise overview of major Islamic civilizations and dynasties. Included are both familiar civilizations such as the Mamluk, and Ottoman, with less familiar dynasties such as the Ilkhanids, primarily of Iran, and the Zengids of central Asia. Each civilization is described in one to three pages with beautiful accompanying photographs of pertinent sites and artifacts. This brief book gently challenges common presuppositions that the Islamic world is monolithic or unsophisticated. An excellent accompanying twelve-page fold out timeline graphically reinforces key points and presents new information. This book would be a helpful addition to a parish library that has a section for understanding other religions.

Ann Fritschel

Wartburg Theological Seminary