The Crisis of Islam

Holy War and Unholy Terror

By: Bernard Lewis

Narrated by: Bernard Lewis

Bernard Lewis examines the historical roots of the frustrations and resentments that dominate the Islamic world today and that are increasingly being expressed in acts of terrorism. He looks at the theological origins of political Islam and tells us what the Islamic doctrine of jihad has meant at different times in history. And he takes us, as only he can, through the rise of militant Islam in Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, examining the impact of radical Wahabi proselytizing and Saudi oil money on the rest of the Islamic world.

Crisis of Islam ranges widely through 13 centuries of history, but in particular it charts the key events of the 20th century leading up to the bitter and violent confrontations of today. The Second World War, the creation of the state of Israel, the Cold War, the Iranian Revolution, the Soviet defeat in Afghanistan, the Gulf War, and the September 11th attacks on the United States have all shaped Muslim perceptions in important ways.

While hostility toward the West has a long and varied history in the lands of Islam, its current concentration on America is new. So too is the cult of the suicide bomber. Bernard Lewis helps us understand the reasons for the increasingly dogmatic rejection of modernity by many in the Muslim world in favor of a return to a sacred past. Based on his George Polk Award-winning article for The New Yorker, The Crisis of Islam is essential reading for anyone who wants to know what Osama bin Ladin represents and why his murderous message resonates so widely in the Islamic world.

©2003 Bernard Lewis (P)2003 Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Remarkably succinct...offers a long view in the midst of so much short-termism and confusing punditry. Lewis has done us all - Muslim and non-Muslim alike - a remarkable service." (The New York Times Book Review)

"A timely and provocative contribution to the current raging debate about the tensions between the West and the Islamic world." (Business Week)

“Inestimable...replete with the exceptional historical insight that one has come to expect from the world’s foremost Islamic scholar.” (The Wall Street Journal)

Great book but why read by the author?

This was a very good introductory, yet detailed book regarding Islam. However, why did Bernard Lewis read? His voice crackles and several times it I could not decipher what he was saying. This book should be re-read by someone with a better voice.

A most read.

The story of Islam through the centuries and how it relates to present day religious fanatism. Impartial view by a scholar leads to understanding of present day terror.

Good read

I am a Bernard Lewis fan. I think he is worth reading to compare how the media handles issues with Lewis' treatment. Other writers are more cautious when dealing with issues (for whatever reason). Lewis is tough when he criticizes Arabs and equally tough on Westerners who try to deal with Islamic peoples and their govrnments without bothering to understand them and and their governmental system. His spoken prose is also entertaining.

"So what's the deal with Arab terrorism, anyway?"

The answer is in here.

And the guy explaining is a true expert.

With a British accent.

Learned a lot

Facsinating book. The author gives insight into Islam past and present, offers insight into what could become of present day events. His historical presentation of Muslim history explains a great deal of current day events.

Excellent Mid-East Primer

While I have the desire to know more about the how and why of radical Islam, I cannot devote the time that real study would require. This book provides an excellent overview. The listener won't be an expert on the subject after hearing this book, but will be much more enlightened for the experience. While I agree that the author is not always the best person to read his or her work (e.g., Bill Bryson) I found Lewis's reading of his book to be genuine and enjoyable (despite a case of laryngitis early on). A must read.

Understanding the History of Islam

Though by necessity the author jumps around a bit, the book provides great insight into what is the history of Islam and what is currently driving the terroists. An excellent history lesson plus many insightfull observations!

Crisis of Islam

I chose this book because I wanted to know more about the Mideast, and particularly, about the roots of terrorism. I listened to the book over the past week and finished it a couple of days ago.

Tonite I watched the news playing the translation of another tape released by bin Laden. Having read Crisis of Islam, for the first time, I felt like I understood the history and allusions referred to in bin Laden's message.

I am going to listen to Crisis of Islam a second time to try to absorb more (and have also purchased his other book "History of the Mideast and am reading this detailed and interesting history as well).

In sum, an informative, interesting and relevant book - would highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn about the world post 9/11. By the way, I found the author's reading to be excellent, conveying the inflection and tone to match his words.

A Must Read!

Concise, insightful, informational. It's obvious this man has studied Islam, its people and most importantly its politics. He can explain muslim thinking and how it impacts current events. One of the best books on Islam. The others were also written by Lewis.

Erudite, Timely, and Insiteful

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Highly informative. A must read.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

While written in 2004, "The Crisis in Islam" was sadly prescient and remains chillingly relevant today (2017).

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Everything.