The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern Islamic World (4 Volume Set)

Rating:
Summary: Excellent encyclopedia about MODERN islamic topics
Review: I had heard much praise about this encyclopedia. Still, I was hesitant to spend the money..... so I visited a library that had them on their shelves. I read and read, for hours - with pleasure! I then went home and placed my order.

Each word/catagory/topic is well explained in plain and easily understandable english. The contributing writers are well established in their respective fields. (John Esposito is the editor and not the sole writer of this encyclopedia.)

I can sincerely recommend this encyclopedia, for scholars, teachers, students all (muslims and non-muslims) interested in knowing more about islam and the muslim word.

Rating:
Summary: Invaluable
Review: I just received my set of 4 volumes and already consulted it for an article I'm preparing. I was surprised at the breadth of the articles and the references provided. The information available in each article extends beyond the basic and lends itself easily to in-depth investigation. A truly excellent work and well worth the expense. For the Middle East Studies professional, analyst, academic, consultant this encyclopedia will be very useful.

Rating:
Summary: Bravo, Mabruk ! Dr. Esposito
Review: I just received my set of 4 volumes and already consulted it for an article I'm preparing. I was surprised at the breadth of the articles and the references provided. The information available in each article extends beyond the basic and lends itself easily to in-depth investigation. A truly excellent work and well worth the expense. For the Middle East Studies professional, analyst, academic, consultant this encyclopedia will be very useful.

Rating:
Summary: Invaluable
Review: This is a fantastic set of books, both for the layperson and the scholar. It's written by a wide assortment of experts in the field, people who are extremely qualified and unbiased. A wide range of topics is covered. This IS the modern Islamic world, though, so there's very little historical information. But I use it constantly, both to satisfy my own curiosity and for a book I'm writing. Thank you to the editors and contributors of this great work.