With great delight, we can finally announce that
In the Light of a Blessed Tree: illuminations of Islamic belief, practice, history
was officially published on August 1, 2011 (1 Ramadan 1432) and can now be be purchased from its publisher, Wipf & Stock Publishers. A specific link to the book can be found below.
This modest but special book presents an absolutely original, experientially textured introduction to Islamic belief, practice, and history for both the intrigued newcomer as well as for those who already possess some basic literacy in Islam. Slowly crafted over the years following the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, In the Light of a Blessed Tree speaks with scholarly integrity but in an everyday voice, full of real-life narratives that "illuminate" the beliefs, practices, and histories described. More, it brings the reader in touch with the psychological, social, and cultural forces that shape the way we come to the question of Islam in a wounded world, still grappling with the trauma of 9/11 and very much still in a state of war. For these and other reasons, it speaks to contemporary images and realities, even as it walks through the ancient origins of Islam.
In the Light of A Blessed Tree thus serves thoughtful western readers (in North America and Europe, primarily) who are shopping for an accessible, concise, and reliable trade book covering the basics of Islam, and yet it can easily serve as an introductory text for university, community college, or even upper-level high school courses that include Islam and the religions of the Near East.
In the Light of a Blessed Tree: illuminations of Islamic belief, practice, history
was officially published on August 1, 2011 (1 Ramadan 1432) and can now be be purchased from its publisher, Wipf & Stock Publishers. A specific link to the book can be found below.
This modest but special book presents an absolutely original, experientially textured introduction to Islamic belief, practice, and history for both the intrigued newcomer as well as for those who already possess some basic literacy in Islam. Slowly crafted over the years following the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, In the Light of a Blessed Tree speaks with scholarly integrity but in an everyday voice, full of real-life narratives that "illuminate" the beliefs, practices, and histories described. More, it brings the reader in touch with the psychological, social, and cultural forces that shape the way we come to the question of Islam in a wounded world, still grappling with the trauma of 9/11 and very much still in a state of war. For these and other reasons, it speaks to contemporary images and realities, even as it walks through the ancient origins of Islam.
In the Light of A Blessed Tree thus serves thoughtful western readers (in North America and Europe, primarily) who are shopping for an accessible, concise, and reliable trade book covering the basics of Islam, and yet it can easily serve as an introductory text for university, community college, or even upper-level high school courses that include Islam and the religions of the Near East.
As an American-born professor of Islamic Studies, with degrees from both the US and Canada as well as many travel and study periods in the Arabic-speaking world and other parts of the world where Muslims predominate, I have visited and personally interacted with countless academic, religious, and general audiences since Sept. 11, 2001, and so this little book reflects the questions, concerns, and tenor of the many communities and individuals I have encountered. In my experience, what people need, at least in the very beginning, is not something overly formal and long-winded but rather something simple, well-written and within their reach, something that can prepare them for a higher level of engagement if they have the time and the desire for more. That is truly all this book seeks to be and do.
Check it out, along with endorsements from highly-regarded Muslim, Christian, and Jewish scholars, on the publisher's website by clicking here!
Check it out, along with endorsements from highly-regarded Muslim, Christian, and Jewish scholars, on the publisher's website by clicking here!
6 comments:
Congrats Timothy! I'm looking forward to reading it soon insh'Allah!
Kind Regards!
Congratulations to Dr. Timothy Gianotti!
I could not get the book through your publisher. They do not ship to Canada, and it is not available on Amazon as yet. Do you know where we can get it from?
Correction! The publisher does not ship the book to Canada if we buy on line, but if we call the publisher to place an order over the phone, they do ship to Canada.
Salaam, and thanks for posting the comments, Maria and Mian. The publisher tells me that the book will be available on both amazon.com and amazon.ca within a few weeks. It will also be available (eventually) in some smaller Canadian bookstores, but the large ones apparently demand too great of a discount from the publisher to make it reasonable for the publisher.
Timothy
Dear Professor Gianotti,
Congratulations on the completion of your book. I wish you great success though this book. Looking forward to reading this interesting book.
Respectfully,
Congratulations Prof. Gianotti. I pre-ordered the book on Amazon. Looking forward to reading it. All the best Insha'Allah!
Post a Comment