Hugh Kennedy Libri

This collection of essays discusses the rich and varied tradition of history writing in mediaeval and early modern Egypt, providing new insights into the works and the lives and outlooks of their authors.

What is a caliphate? What is the history of the idea? How is the term used and abused today? In the first modern account of a subject of critical importance today, acclaimed historian Hugh Kennedy answers these questions by chronicling the rich history of the caliphate, from the death of Muhammad to the present. At its height, the caliphate stretched from Spain to the borders of China and was the most powerful political entity in western Eurasia. In an era when Paris and London boasted a few thousand inhabitants, Baghdad and Cairo were sophisticated centres of trade and culture, and the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates were distinguished by major advances in science, medicine and architecture. By ending with the recent re-emergence of caliphal ideology within fundamentalist Islam, The Caliphate underscores why it is crucial that we know about this form of Islamic government to understand the political ideas of the so-called Islamic State and other Islamist groups in the twenty first century.

Focusing on the clustering of cultural achievements in early modern Europe, this comparative urban history examines Antwerp, Amsterdam, and London during their respective golden ages. Through the collaboration of Patrick O'Brien and eighteen historians, the work analyzes economic, architectural, artistic, publishing, and scientific developments in these maritime cities. The study provides valuable insights into the interplay of geography and culture, making it a significant resource for scholars and students interested in economic, social, and cultural history.

A popular history of the Arab invasions that carved out an empire from Spain to China

Focusing on the military's influence in early Islamic society, this study explores the critical relationship between army and politics. It delves into aspects like recruitment, payment, weaponry, and fortifications to illustrate how the early Muslim Empire expanded its control. Utilizing Arabic chronicles, historical documents, and archaeological findings, the book provides a detailed analysis of military strategies and the dynamics of warfare, offering a fresh perspective on the formation of the early Islamic State.

Focusing on the political history of Muslim Spain and Portugal from 711 to 1492, this groundbreaking study utilizes Arab sources to illuminate a region often overlooked in medieval European history. By moving beyond the Christian-centric narratives of the Reconquest, the author, Hugh Kennedy, offers vivid translations that enrich the understanding of this significant era. This work will captivate historians of both medieval Europe and the Middle East, highlighting the unique characteristics and connections within the broader Muslim world.

Focusing on the historical and architectural significance, the book explores Crusader castles in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, County of Tripoli, and Principality of Antioch from 1099 to 1291. It provides a detailed account of the structures built during the Crusaders' enduring presence in the Levant, highlighting their strategic importance and cultural influences in the region.

In this engaging history, world-renowned historian Hugh Kennedy deftly sews together the stories of the people, armies, and events that conquered an area from Spain to China in just over 100 years.

From a preeminent scholar of Islamic history, an authoritative history of caliphates from the seventh century to the modern day

Focusing on the formative years of Islamic society, this book offers an engaging history of the Near East from approximately 600 to 1050 AD. It explores the significant developments during the age of caliphates, providing insights into the cultural, political, and social transformations that shaped the region and its people. The narrative is designed to be accessible, making it suitable for readers seeking to understand this pivotal era in history.