Third World Collection September 11 Resources

Annotated selected sources on the Middle East and Islam from
the Dr. Harold Isaacs

Dr. Harold Isaacs is Professor of History & Political Science and founder of the Association of Third World Studies and "The Journal of Third World Studies".  The generous donation of his personal collection of Third World books formed the core of the James Earl Carter Library Third World Collection which is located in its own small room on the side facing campus of the second floor of the library.

Armstrong, Karen.  Muhammad: a Biography of the Prophet. San Francisco: Harper, 1992.        BP 75 .A76

Karen Armstrong is a religion professor and best-selling author praised for her ability to make complex historical issues readable and understandable for those with a non scholarly background in the subject.

Bender, David and Bruno Leone, editors.  Islam: Opposing Viewpoints.  San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1995.    BP 173.7 I854

A collection of essays by scholars in the field (including John Esposito, considered one of the nation's leading scholars on modern Islam) addressing different sides of many issues of life, religion, and politics in Islamic countries.  Sections include essays on the status of democracy, terrorism, and women's rights.

Pickthall, Mohammed Marmaduke. The Meaning of the Glorious Koran: an explanatory translation.  New York: New American Library, 1988.  (This version is also available online.)    BP 109 .P5 1988

An English translation of the Koran (also spelled Qur'an) and commentary, both undertaken by an English Muslim who felt most English language translations and commentaries were condescending.  An interesting book for comparing particular passages to other sources.

The following books are general or dated but may provide background material for a paper on the subject of Islamic fundamentalism:

Faksh, Mahmud A.. The Future of Islam in the Middle East: Fundamentalism in Egypt, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia. Westport, CT: Praeger, 1997.  BP 63.A65 F35 1997

Though specific to countries other than those involved in the current conflict, this is still a source of scholarly information on Islamic fundamentalism and its involvement in government.

Kelly, Marjorie (editor). Islam: The Religious & Political Life of a World Community. New York: Praeger Publishers, 1984.    BP 161.2 .I882

A volume of essays on Islamic history and politics by various scholars including John Esposito.

Lippman, Thomas.  Understanding Islam: An Introduction to the Moslem World.  New York: New American Library, 1982.     BP 161.2 .L56   

A slim paperback volume designed as an introduction for the general reader.