2 comments about Principles of Sufism.

1. For anyone interested in Islamic belief and practice on a deep level, here is the best explanation of real Sufism. It is inside Islam (way inside) and outside brittle confrontational attitudes of all religions.



2. The translation from the Arabic could not be better of this classic work. It reads like a poetic stream of spiritual advice and stories. Sufi authors cite this book as their foundation source more than any other early text.
   
   So here's a question: Why did the publisher print another run of the book with the same ugly cover and bleached paper and strange fonts of the first edition? If they had changed the book's look, it would sell more copies I think. Many new books on Islam are being published with attractive covers that grab the browser's eye. This is not one of them. Such a shame - to wrap a treasure in a potato sack. Can't the translators do something??

2 comments about Shi'ism.

1. Who is Al Shareef Al Radi and Al Shareef Al Mourtada and when was the main core of the ideology of Twelver Shiism formed? How did the Shiite thought shift from the need to wait for the hidden imam who is divinely mandated to rule into their later thinking of the necessity of taking governance into their hands as they wait for the return of the imam? Who were the 12 imams and how was the Shiite branch of Islam formed?
   Heinz offers accurate, yet brief, answers to all the questions that students - and interested individuals - of Shiism might ask. He skillfully employs needed methodology for treating the Shiite history and writing it. As such, Heinz presents all of the literature available on the subject at hand, examines the credibility of the sources and cross-examines these sources with other similar ones in order to come up with his account.
   The book is condensed, full of names, dates and events and might be an overdose for readers unfamiliar with the subject. Yet, it covers most of the issues on Shiism.
   Another draw back (or maybe not) is that the book is written in the style of a teaching text book with sections dividing each subject. Subjects are covered in a chronological order.
   While this kind of writing and classification of sections might be beneficial for new comers to the learning on Shiism, it might be distracting for those who seek a book with a coherent narration.



2. This book is a clear and well documented explanation of Shi'ism, the largest minority faction within Islam. When the Prophet Mohammad died a dispute arose almost immediately over who should succeed him as leader of the Islamic community (umma). In the tumult that followed the assassination of the third Caliph "Uthman in 656, one party supported the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law over other contenders in the belief that only a kinsman of the Prophet should succeed him. This party became the "Sh'ia", which name, the reader is informed means party in Arabic. The majority favored a succession that extended well beyond the Prophet's family and eventually become to be known as "Sunni." According to the author, the Sh'ia thus began more as a political party than a religious movement and it was not until the 10th and 11th Centuries that real religious differences appeared between the Sunnis and the Sh'ia. During these centuries regular if complex religious doctrines were developed in support of the Sh'ia by religious scholars in what became Iraq and Iran. But again the author makes clear that the divisions between the Sunni and Sh'ia have always been as much political as religious. Indeed it would seem the more one finds out about the Realm of Islam the more complicated and sometimes confusing it becomes. This book provides an important guide to anyone trying to understand the practices and memorials of those Moslems belonging to oneor another of the Shi'ia factions.
   
   Now be forewarned. This book is an excellent primer on Shi'ism, but it is a hard slog to read. Perhaps the fact that it was originally written in German has something to do with its difficulty or perhaps it is merely the complex subject matter. Still if one reads this book with care and attention to detail, one can gain a good deal of knowledge on an important facet of Islam.

1 comments about The Secret Order Of Assassins: The Struggle Of The Early Nizari Ismailis Against The Islamic World.

1. Hodgson's book is outstanding; a must-read for anyone with a serious interest in early Islamic history generally or in the sect of so-called Assassins particularly. The only shortcoming of this edition is the lack of illustrations (map, tables) that were included in the earlier edition. Hence I gave 4 stars rather than 5.

No comments about An Enchanted Modern: Gender and Public Piety in Shi'i Lebanon (Princeton Studies in Muslim Politics).

5 comments about Peak of Eloquence Nahjul Balagha.

1. A word of caution , small people appropriate the words of great people according to their own capacities of understanding and concern.
   Hadrat Ali (RA) is loved and honoured by muslims and non muslims alike , and his talks & letters contain so many jewels and doors of spirituality that no one can afford to reduce them to a purely political, historical or social level, which is unfortunately exactly what the publishers of this edition have done.
   Each talk is followed by an Shia diatribe aimed only at propogating their own limited ideology rather than at elevating the readers spiritual level & closeness to God.



2. 
   The sheer wisdom and knowledge contained in this volume is both humbling and awe inspiring. As a collection of Imam Ali's speeches, sayings, writings, and letters, it provides a gateway into the mind of perhaps the wisest and most learned man ever to walk the earth, after the Holy Prophet himself.
   
   After reading this volume, it becomes apparent why Imam Ali's "Peak of Eloquence" is hailed above the words of man, and second only to the revealed words of God Almighty, which are manifested in the Holy Qur'an.
   
   Every time I open this book, my thirst for knowledge is quenched, and my longing for wisdom is settled. It is not only an overwhelming treasure to own and comprehend, but it is thought provoking as well as motivational. It will inspire the person to deeply ponder over the greatest and most profound truths of our existence, within the realm of human comprehension.
   
   The Christian Author and Researcher, George Jordaq in his tribute to Imam Ali (AS), says: "The Imam's sermons are full of wise thoughts. O' world, what would have happen if you mobilized your forces to produce in every era a man as great as Imam Ali (AS) in terms of wisdom, moral, expression, eloquence, valour, simplicity, generosity, patience, piety, and magnitude, for the human societies?"
   
   It is a tremendous source of knowledge, and the feeling one gets when one closes this volume is simply amazing, and yet, it is written in a manner such that any reader of any level can benefit from it, from the most educated scholar to the beginning academic.
   
   It would be truly a waste to pass up an opportunity to buy this book. The treasures contained within are boundless. There is nothing like it.



3. This is an amazing book by Imam Ali, cousin/son-in-law of the Prophet of Islam, Mohammed. It is full of prayers, stories, advice, that are applicable to everyone. So much of it is simply beautiful. Unfortunately, this translation is poorly edited and translated. Typos abound. There is no parallel Arabic text. Texts begin and end with no clear breaks. It's often difficult to tell where the translation of Imam Ali's words ends and the commentary begins. Unfortunately, I am unaware of any better translation.



4. I must say first that I agree with a previous reviewer Krishna in that one major defect in this book is that it lacks an Arabic text to go along side the translation. I happen to have an Arabic edition of this book and it is a pain to look to compare from 2 different books it so it must be extreamly frustrating to not have access to the original text at all.
   
   The second comment he makes however, I must disagree. The translator does draw a line below which he makes comment on the text that he has translated so it is fairly easy to distinguish the text from comentary. The pages do however, overlap at times which can cause some confusion when reading.
   
   As he has also pointed out, there are numerous typos and some of the style of translation may be slightly heavy and at parts confusing to the Western reader I would imagine first because of the problems with translating Arabic to English and second English not being the translators 1st language.
   
   This book has been translated from the Shia point of view so it is possible that Sunni Muslims may be offended by some of the comments of the text and comentary I would however point out to those who are offended that this is a historical and important text of Islamic history that many Sunni Muslims have written comentaries on (my copy has text by Muhammad Abduh)
   
   I would recomened this book to the serious student of Islamic history, it would be an exellent study tool along side the 4 volume translation of ibn Kathir's life of the Prophet, Tabari's history book and the Tabaqat of ibn Sa'd (in spite of its questionable translation)
   
   I look forward to the history book of ibn al-Athir being translated into English and ibn Khallikan's book being more easily available in the mean time, it would be well worth picking this book up and if possible, an Arabic copy as well.



5. It is a moot matter to criticise Shi'a translators for their one-sidedness when, as far as one can see from the internet, no translation of Nahjul Balagha in any European language exists from Sunni scholars, although both Sunni and Shi'a recognise the legitimacy of Ali ibn Abi Talib, may G'd be pleased with him, and the excellence of his discourse.
   
   If Sunni muslim scholars differ with the views expressed in the comments, may they publish a better translation with better commentary, striving with their Shi'a brethren in good work!
   
   Concerning the underlying source, one would have to attribute an indefinite number of stars. The 3 star qualification results from the deficient qualities of the book as such. Except from the text quoted from Hadrat Ali, the typeface is simply too small or even much too small for anyone other than those with excellent vision. For those readers over 45 or so, not even reading glasses suffice, a magnifying glass is required to read the smallest type.
   
   Nearly every page contains spelling and / or syntax errors in English. Scanning the text and running it through syntax and spell checking programmes is a must.
   
   Some doubts may be entertained concerning the inner qualifications of the translators. For example, Hadrat Ali is translated as having said that G'd does not come from "non-existence". What Arabic word is "non-existence" supposed to translate? Ex-istence comes from Latin ex-stare, meaning outside or out of being. The opposite would be "in-istence". In this and similar cases, the translators would be well advised to put the transliterated Arabic word in brackets after the English, as one often sees in scholarly works. This lowers the risk of misunderstanding.
   
   Lastly, the translators inadequately convey the eloquence of Hadrat Ali's Arabic into their translation, although this is admittedly difficult. To compensate, they might add an introductory chapter explaining and illustrating why Hadrat Ali's use of Arabic is considered, after the Noble Qur"an, to be the epitome of eloquence.

5 comments about An Introduction to Shi`i Islam: The History and Doctrines of Twelver Shi`ism.

1. I got this book when it first came out almost 20 years ago. it has helped me to understand the religious underpinnings of the feelings of people in iran and the shiites of iraq as well as the shiite minorities of pakistan and arabia. The author assumes no knowledge of islamic history or religion, so it is just what it says-- an "introduction" for the non muslim to shiite history and theology. A highly recommendedbook for someone just starting their studies of iran or middle east nations with shi'a minorities. And contrary to what an earlier reviewer said, it is an easy read for anyone with an eight grade education.



2. I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially to Shia parents wishing to explain Shia Islam to their children. The book is easy enough for a high-schooler and up to read. As someone who grew up in a relatively small Shia community in the United States, this book was especially helpful in educating me over the years. Recently, many of my friends (who are of the college and professional school age) and who have not necessarily grown up in a household that stresses Shia Islam but who want to learn more about the area, have also turned to this book for understanding.



3. A good place to begin the study of Shi'ism. Very readable. Well referenced. Lacks in detail though. Particularly useful are the chapters related to contemporary marjaes and the Iranian revolution.



4. good for explaining the convuluted history of shiaism and as an ex-12 Imami shia I found the argument convincing that the 12er shiaism is a invention of much later age ....almost no details on origins of shias though for that we need more details of first fitna



5. Dr. Momen wrote an excellent illustrated book. Even the printing layout is very good with a rather large typeface readable even by oldies.
   
   Dr. Momen gave due attention to details like exact transliteration, differences between Arabic and Farsi spellings and pronunciations, careful complete footnotes, glossary and reference lists, etc.
   
   The book also contains several charts that make it much easier to gain an overview of the subject matter, in particular of politico-historic events compared to theological developments.
   
   Dr. Momen does not claim to be an esoterist but rather has chosen an historic (zahiri) viewpoint without at all closing the door to the esoteric side (batini).
   
   Dr. Momen makes it clear and plausible how Twelver Shi'ism has especially since Safavid rule in Iran moved towards a concentration on exoteric law with the legal experts gradually assuming several prerogatives original held reserved to the occulted 12th Imam. In other words, it seems that the Sunni Al-Azhar University's published opinion considering 12er Shi'a a 5th school of orthodox Islamic jurisprudence in addition to the four still extant Sunni schools is factually based. In all fairness, however, we should bear in mind that tendencies towards legalism are currently not restricted to Shi'i Islam but, alas, observable worldwide.
   
   The more esoterically minded (batini) amongst the 12er ulama (doctors of theology) who do not share the view that jurisprudence (fiqh) is the central theme of Islamic knowledge have apparently gradually withdrawn and gone underground in a kind of relative occultation.
   
   This reviewer heartily thanks Dr. Momen and hopes he is alive and well and will soon publish a second updated edition of his excellent work.

2 comments about The Book of Assistance.

1. The genius of this book is that it condenses the collected wisdom of centuries of Muslim spiritual doctors such as Imam-al Ghazali into a handy, brief manual. For centuries books like this have shaped men and women of all races, from Indonesians to Swahilis, into shining examples of godliness and beautiful conduct. Anyone who implements the advice here can become what Muslim mystics call a complete, perfected human being, characterized by everything from kindness and charity (including a cheerful countenance), to waking up in the middle of the night to worship, to inward states such as thankfulness and trust in God's will. Like all men of God, Imam al-Haddad's writing is clear, sober and eloquent.



2. If you realy wish to have a knowledge of the Muslim faith without going through numerous books many which may be of dubious value then you need look no further than here. All of the books of Imam al-Haddad are clear and simple to understand they avoid complicated terminology and explain Islam as it is, a simple faith that can be understood and practiced by anyone regardles of location in the world.
   
   Mostafa al-Badawi is a first rate translater I would also recomened his book 'Historical sites of Madina' read it before the Saudi government wipes away forever the memory of what Islam was.

5 comments about Following Muhammad: Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary World (Islamic Civilization and Muslim Networks).

1. "Following Muhammad," the way Ernst sees it, is a book that fills a special niche. Although solid scholarship on Islam is available, it is often rendered inaccessible by impenetrable prose and circulated in very narrow academic circles through specialized journals. On the other hand, commercial publications approach the topic from the sensationalist angles and too often betray ideological attack agendas. What Ernst tries to do in "Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary World" is to offer the lay reader a balanced, unimpeachably scholarly but thoroughly accessible, fair-minded but critical introduction to the religion of roughly one fifth of the world's population. By extension, the book sheds light on many of the references, and some of the misperceptions, that have become common currency in the rhetoric of the clash of civilizations.
   If September 11 influenced the presentation of the book, it is "to highlight how we have constructed the notion of religion in recent history around the ideas of competition and confrontation, since all too often this modern world-imperial concept of religion is allowed to pass unexamined." For too many people, confrontation is the only way they have heard Islam described, he points out, and the culture of mass media today tends to create the notion that the present is the only time worth considering. Ernst therefore devotes the first part of the book to the interplay between religion and history across the ages, and traces the evolution of the long relationship between Islam and the West from the Middle Ages through colonial times to the present. Ernst, who is not Muslim, does not engage in apologetics on behalf of any religion, but rather tries to examine images and their reverse, or negative: each civilization tends to project on the perceived rival its own prejudices and motivations.
   Another section of the book examines Islam in terms of the modern concept of religion and gives an overview of the fundamental sources for Muslims: the Quran or scripture, and the teachings of the prophet Muhammad. From this Ernst moves on to the concept of Islamic religious ethics deriving not only from these authoritative texts but also from philosophical inquiry, including the Greek tradition. In his exposition Ernst hopes to provide the reader with independent and appropriate tools to understand the contemporary, and often ill-informed and inflammatory, debate about Islam.
   The book's outstanding readability lies in the choice of the interpretative essay as the basic form for each chapter. Despite, or perhaps because, of his stellar academic credentials, the author deliberately eschews the "blind them with science" approach many academics take to impress their ivory tower peers with the impenetrability of their prose. Footnotes and glossaries are kept to a minimum.
   Tellingly, one of the goals Ernst sets for this book can seem deceptively modest, by his own admission: to restore full, three-dimensional human complexity to well over a billion people homogenized and caricaturized in the eyes of the West in a manner wholly unacceptable if it were applied to any other religion, race or ethnicity. The fact that this seemingly modest goal is considered so controversial reinforces the timeliness of this book.



2. This book is written by one of the world's foremost scholars in Islam and Sufism. He delivers a balanced approach to the topic which cannot be said for the other reviewers of this book. I suspect they never read it.



3. I was recommended this book by a professor of comparitive religion from a respected private school near where I live. I had mentioned to him that I was nearly totally ignorant of Islam, but that I was extremely curious, given the recent history of the clash between east and west. While this book didn't delve deeply into the actual structure of Islam, it brought to light several things to consider before starting an indepth study. I'm very glad that I read this book before starting on my quest to understand Islam, because it helped me to understand the baggage that I'm bringing, just by being an American who watches western media and went to a western school.



4. I began to read this book because I thought it would help clear up some of my western baggage (choke, choke). After all, how can we in the West even begin to understand Muhammad. But lets mention the good parts first. Ernst does mention the numerous accomplishments of Islam in the fields of medicine, art and spiritualism (the Sufis). He pays particular attention to the influence of the Greeks on Islamic thought. He does not say, but hints, that the writers of the Quran were probably influenced by Greek philosophers.
   
   However, this book is not really about Muhammad at all as one can not go through any chapter with seeing the following 2 words: 1.colonialism and Orientalism. Sure, one can read that Muhammad is seen as an ongoing model for "ethics, law, family live, spirituality not anticipated 1,400 yrs ago" (p.74). But where is the authors historical honesty. Is he talking of the same man who allowed his men to have their way with captive slave women and stated that: "the majority of people in hell are women." Later Ernst complains that Europeans (again)were cynical of Muhammads elavation of Mecca as the spiritual center of their faith. Certainly, he insists, Muhammad was never so gauche as to have political/relgious motives (that's to colonial). This, despite historical evidence, during and after Muhammads life which indicate that Muhammad was a colonial crusader in his own way. Even his contemporaries noted that;"prophetism is finished and the empire is beginning." And it was after Muhammads death that Islamic theologians began to spread the rumors that the Bible was corrupt and that Jesus did not die on the cross but obtained a double to take his place-thus assuring Muhammad the title he always wished-The Final Prophet.
   Thus the title of my review: It's the same old song. Islam is no danger to Western thought or Christianity. If it appears so it is because colonialism has penetrated the Muslim mind and they are unable to return to the great old days under the Prophet.



5. This is a splendid book for anyone who is trying to understand Islam. No other book situates Muslim concerns in global contexts and thoughout history. The author is a master at clear writing. In my experience when I have recommended this book to people, they come back with smiles on their faces and a new view of today's world. It does not get any better than this for students and the open minds outside the academy. Clean your glasses and read it again, fellow reviewers.

5 comments about The Assassins.

1. I am an Ismailli and totally offended by Lewis's book. He is no doubt a total anti-Muslim racist. For greater information on the Nizari ismaillis read Farhad Daftary



2. The Assassins are part of the legend of the Crusades. The legend of their intoxicants, and the pleasures that initiates were allowed to sample before being sent on missions, are almost part of our historical lore, and of course the sect has lent its name to a word in the English language. This scholarly account by historian Bernard Lewis is detailed, and relentless at least in terms of sentimentality, brushing away legends and folklore and sticking to what's known of this splinter group of Islam and their culture, activities, motives, and fate.
   
   It turns out that, as far as anyone knows, the Assassins are merely a splinter of the group called Ismailis (which still exists in Muslim countries, as a partially suppressed heresy). They existed for about three centuries, between the mid 11th century and the late 14th, in what is now northern Iran, and southern Syria. They never controlled a major city, and as a political entity, they appear to have survived largely through personal intimidation. While they were only so-so when it came to defeating armies, they were very effective at eliminating their leadership. In that era in which personal leadership, through monarchs and their surrogates, was the order of business for most governments in the area, this was particularly effective.
   
   I enjoyed this book a great deal. If I do have a complaint, it's that the sum of knowledge about the Assassins, at least when Lewis wrote this, was rather thin, and so of course you don't get that much on them. The book itself runs to just about 150 pages in length, with an appendix which is another 50 pages tacked onto the end. The paucity of information isn't Lewis's fault, though, it's due to the secretiveness of the sect itself. Aside from that, the book is very well-done, interesting, and informative.



3. The new preface drew insightful conclusions of history to our current experience with the sucide bombers of radical islam. It set the tone to study the "Assassins" as a sect of radial Islam and try to make sense of what is happening today and possibly why. I feel it is a must read for anyone trying to build a foundation to understand radical Islam.



4. As a previous reviewer pointed out, post 9/11 the sales of this book have probably gone through the roof not least because Lewis has been (not so subltely) making comparisons between the Assassins and Al-Qaeda but also because every Al-Qaeda opponent on the planet has been jumping on the bandwagon.
   
   Sadly, this book aside from the obvious that it was first published years before the events of 9/11 is a missed opportunity to study a little known Islamic group and instead, relies upon shock and scandal and instead of reading like a scholarly study of a subject reads more like something you would find in a tabloid.
   
   The book begins with some history of the word Assassin and how it came into the English language then onto some early books that have been published on the subject in the West. The book then moves onto some brief studies of the subject by British scholars in India and the briefest of analysis of the current descendants of the Assassins who reside in that country. The book then covers nothing more than the sensationalist stories of "The old man of the mountains" Who dispatched deadly assassins to murder political opponents and scholars alike. Whose movement struck fear into its enemies and was finally defeated by a similarly ruthless movement, the Mongols of Genghis and Hulagu Khans.
   
   The book just fails miserably in studying just who exactly the Assassins were. There is simply not enough on the background of the movement. The Assassins where the spiritual descendants of the Egyptian Fatimid (who later better known as the Ismaili) movement who followed and esoteric version of Islam which did indeed produce some great scholars in medicine and science. They were part of a wider movement in Islam (Such as the Ikhwan as-Safa) who while small in number, had a wide influence on Islam both Shia and Sunni from all aspects from science to Sufism.
   
   The Nizari Ismaili, as the Assassins were known religiously were followers of a strand of Islam Sunnis refer to as a 'ghulat' or 'extremist' sect. This should not be seen in the context of violently extreme but rather extreme in their distance from the beliefs of Sunni Islam (Much in the same way as Zaidi Shia are referred to by Sunnis as 'moderate Shia') Why has Lewis not examined this aspect? Why has Lewis not studied the strands of Islam, the origins of the Nizari and their religious and political development? When the Nizari strongholds were finally breached by the Mongols the Shia scholar Nasruddin Tusi remarked at the vast libraries found there (It is also mentioned that many of their books were subsequently burned) Lewis rather treats us to pictures of Nizari mountain castles and stories of mass drunken orgies in defiance of Islam.
   
   Why was there no examination of Nizari influence on other Shia groups? The Alevis of Turkey share almost the exact same beliefs as the Nizaris, ethnically they are from the same geographical area, history notes that the Nizaris made converts amongst the Turkomans and that Turkoman tribes were brought in bondage and then freed in Anatolia by Timur Khan. Was this too sensitive a subject to examine for a man who propagates Turkey as the beacon of democracy in the Middle East?
   
   Lewis may even look to ibn Al-Athir (all be it briefly) for historical information on the Nizaris but keep in mind, he was a Sunni civil servant and had no love for the Nizaris and also keep in mind that his history book ran into volumes. Just how much of it do you think was taken up by a group that for Sunnis formed but a blip in history?
   
   And lets examine the Nizari practice of assassination. First of all they were not "The first Islamic terror group" as some have written. Secondly they did not "Invent the art of assassination" The Greeks and Persians practiced it. Jewish groups in the Jewish revolts practiced it. The Caliph Ali, Hassan and Hussain were assassinated. Was this the be all and end all of their beliefs or rather was this the reaction of a minority group against a large opponent (both Abbasid and Crusader) who would easily and happily crush them given the chance? Was it just random assassinations or rather just to silence opponents (Such as the threat against the Sunni scholar Fakr al-Din Razi)? This is in sharp contrast to Al-Qaidi whose methods are to "Liberate the Muslim world" etc....
   
   An entirely missed opportunity with far more faults that could be brought out but frankly too numerous to mention.
   
   Read the books of Schimmel, Nasr, Corbin and Chodkiewicz. All of whom have examined the beliefs and practices of the Ismaili Muslims. If you want a bit of shock, horror, first terrorists in......., lets get these wackos..... then this may be the book for you.



5. You come across a book every once in a while that you know is a solid, scholarly account of a period in history. As such you don't question the author's intent or doubt that his reasoning is flawed. In fact virtually everything you read is dead on, at least from what little you know of that time period. Bernard Lewis does this in his account of a small religious sect in the Middle East called the Ismailis, or commonly known as the Assassins.
   
   Right from the beginning we are given a quick explanation on how the sect's converts and followers were duped into believing wholeheartedly that their leader, The Old Man Of The Mountain, was a prophet and that he could grant them a life in paradise if they did his bidding. Then, just as effortlessly, he moves on to give the background history that leads up to how they got to where they were and how they began to gain their power.
   
   This was, of course, the use of assassinating their political rivals and striking fear into those that would oppose them or dare to come against them. They were not a large land owning sect, they didn't have the political clout to push their weight around. In fact they played a rather minor role in the overall picture. But what they did have was the ability to strike fear into everyone, no matter where they were or how powerful they were. Whether you were the Sultan, the Caliph, the Vizier, a Western king, earl or baron, or perhaps even the Mongol emperor that invaded with such a huge amount of force that nobody could withstand, it didn't matter. They all feared the Assassins and attempted in numerous ways to rid themselves of such a dangerous sect.
   
   Ultimately Lewis does a fantastic job in illustrating this wonderful time period for the history and stories that are so lush and full of life. Just as to kill someone became associated with this small religious sect that utilized this method, and thus how we today come to call assassinate or assassination, so to does Lewis's work reflect on the Ismailis. Lewis' work has staying power, being written in the sixties, and should be thought of as one of the leading sources of this time period and group.

5 comments about Assassination Vacation.

1. On p. 118 of the 2005 hardcover edition of this excellent book, there is a rare typo (perhaps the only typo). Lincoln did not say "If slavery is wrong, nothing is wrong." He said, "If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong."
   Thank you, Ms. Vowell, for one of the best history books I've run across (we're reading it in my book group). I assume there will be further editions; perhaps you have already spotted this error.



2. What a great and interesting read. This book reads like the best sort of history book, or the best sort of travel log. There is no such thing as a dry statement of facts in Vowell's world, and her particularly droll delivery leaves waffly, wishy-washy, romantic travel tales in the dust. It's particularly amazing how she can weave in the fine details of the assassins, presidents, and ephemera and make them not only interesting but pertinent. I've never read Vowell's work before but will read more now.



3. Sarah Vowell's very chatty and informal overview of the first three successful presidential assassinations manages to chart, in its off-kilter way, a compelling if highly selective version of American history from the Civil War to the Spanish-American War through a series of anecdotes concerning the assassinations, the presidents who were the victims, the assassins themselves, and most of all the U.S. historical events associated with these events which Vowell manages to visit with the help of her friends and family, and where she meets a charming assortment of local volunteers who become the unofficial heroes of her narrative. Even if you're well versed in Stephen Sondheim's ASSASSINS, which explores much of the same territory in a completely different manner (and which Vowell enthuses over at the very beginning of her narrative), there's still much to find new and interesting here, and Vowell's candidness about her political affiliations and enthusiasms are very refreshing.
   
   Vowell does identify herself on the bookjacket as "a McSweeney's person," and for better or worse that is a fairly accurate self-assessment. On the plus side, the book is charming, hip, ironic, and clever. On the other, it can be a bit self-consciously twee (favoring anachronistic terms in her writing like "looky-loos" and "mosey"), it's in strong need of an editor, and Vowell seems to need to tell us constantly how many supportive and brilliant friends and relations she has. It's almost impossible to nitpick, though, about someone who can be fervent and honest about her nerdy love for American history. This is a fun book to read.



4. This book makes me want to throw my kids in the car and drive them as quickly as possible to the nearest historical memorial/museum/old graveyard/bronze plaque and giggle, tell stories, do ANYTHING other than fret over their brains turning to mush on a Webkinz/Sims diet. Assassination Vacation is not just history for a witty leftie reader. Can you imagine how someone in the future will write the history of OUR time? Do you want just the mentioning of a war in Iraq and details about the number of people who died, or do you want someone to read the part about missing weapons of mass destruction? If you're the kind of person who thinks details like missing WMD's makes the story of our time come alive, you'll really 'get' Assassination Vacation. And you might also learn to love James Garfield and his special, comfy reading chair, which is worth the price of purchase by itself. Great writing.



5. I really enjoyed the first half of this book. It focused on Abraham Lincoln and took the author to some interesting places. I found it educational and entertaining, even though it isn't something that I would normally read about.
   
   I am not that into recent American history, and that may be why I didn't enjoy the second half of the book as much. Presidents Garfield and McKinley aren't that interesting to me. I didn't think that it was any fault of the author, for she seems to really get into geeking out at historical sites, and likes things that make my eyes melt from the boredom.
   
   I think the book is worth reading, just for the first half, and if you are interested in the other two men, you will enjoy it even more.