This British historian specializes in Islamic history, known for his profound understanding of the complex historical processes of the Near and Middle East. His work is characterized by thorough research and an ability to illuminate key aspects of Islamic history, with a particular focus on the region's economic history, though his scope encompasses a broader range of topics. His contributions to the humanities have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, and his academic career at leading global universities attests to his significance in the field.
Just over a sixth of the world's population subscribes to the Muslim belief that `there is no god but God, and Muhammad is his Messenger'. Michael Cook gives an incisive account of the man who inspired this faith, drawing on the traditional Muslim sources to describe Muhammad's life and teaching.
The Koran has constituted a remarkably resilient core of identity and continuity for a religious tradition that is now in its fifteenth century. In this Very Short Introduction, Michael Cook provides a lucid and direct account of the significance of the Koran both in the modern world and in that of traditional Islam. He gives vivid accounts of its role in Muslim civilization, illustrates the diversity of interpretations championed by traditional and modern commentators, discusses the processes by which the book took shape, and compares it to other scriptures and classics of the historic cultures of Eurasia.About the Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, Very Short Introductions offer an introduction to some of life's most interesting topics. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to Freud, quantum theory to Islam.
Focusing on the vitality of later life, this transformative guide offers practical advice for individuals over 55. It emphasizes enhancing well-being, nurturing relationships, and cultivating a positive mindset. Readers will discover insightful strategies to embrace the opportunities that come with age, encouraging a fulfilling and active lifestyle.
"In Michael Cook's words, this book is "about a substantial slice of human history delimited by a particular cultural characteristic: adherance to Islam in some form or other. [...] A commitment to Islam makes a difference. Wherever a society and its rulers have come to be Muslim, this has meant a major discontinuity with its pre-Islamic past and a significant expansion of its relations with the wider Muslim world." Starting in the pre-Islamic Middle East, Cook returns a sense of wonder to how Muhammad could not only become a prophet of a new monotheistic religion but also unite the Arab tribes behind it and create a state that would conquer much of the territory that belonged to the Byzantines and the Sasanians, the two empires that had balanced power in the region for hundreds of years. Exploring the high culture of the Abbasids, Cook then charts the disintegration of the Caliphate and the brief rise of the Fatimids and the Mongols of the Steppe. He covers the Ottomans (Turkish), Safavids (Iranian), Mughals (India), and ventures to East Africa, Madagascar, Somalia, Southeast Asia, and many places between. An epilogue gestures to major themes in the post-1800 world"--
En cuatrocientas páginas rebosantes de ideas, el historiador Michael Cook nos ofrece una breve historia de la humanidad desde el surgimiento de la agricultura, hace unos diez mil años, hasta el presente. A partir de elementos tan dispares como el sistema matrimonial de los aborígenes australianos, los calendarios mesoamericanos, el culto a los antepasados en la China tradicional, las cortesanas de los templos medievales hindúes, la etnografía musulmana o los ataques a las torres gemelas, el prestigioso historiador Michael Cook compone una historia coherente de la humanidad, explicando tanto sus elementos comunes como sus peculiaridades y proporcionando, al mismo tiempo, unas respuestas convincentes a las preguntas fundamentales de la historia del hombre.
Seria ZROZUMIEC CHEMIĘ to podręczniki, które pomogą poszerzyć wiadomości z zakresu chemii zdobyte w szkole średniej i pomóc przejść do poziomu uniwersyteckiego. Zawierają wskazówki dotyczące dobrych praktyk i logicznego podejścia do rozwiązywania problemów, a także szereg pomocnych uwag, jak uniknąć typowych błędów.