Muslim Spain Reconsidered: From 711 to 1502 - Paperback

by Richard Hitchcock (Author)

A comprehensive survey of Muslim Spain from 711-1502.

This introduction to Muslim Spain covers the period from 711 to1502, giving readers a substantial overview of what it was that made it a unique and successful society, and of its powerful legacy in the formation of modern Spain.

Using a chronological framework and pushing the main historical developments to the forefront, the author keeps in view the shifting social patterns caused by the changing balance between town and country, major and minor dynasties, foreign groupings and repeated invasions from North Africa. He also includes discussion of topics such as inter-faith relations, multi-ethnic competing groups, and how intellectual life was enriched by pluralism and influence from abroad.

Front Jacket

A comprehensive new survey of Muslim Spain from 711-1502 What made Muslim Spain a unique and successful society? By adopting a multidisciplinary approach within a chronological framework, Richard Hitchcock explores the nature of its powerful legacy in the formation of modern Spain, whilst constantly keeping in view the shifting social patterns caused by the changing balance between town and country, constant military activity, and environmental concerns. The focus is on the main historical developments in al-Andalus such as the eventual establishment of Islam, the splendour of the Caliphate, the disintegration of central authority, the invasions from North Africa and the continual struggle to retain independence when confronted with the increasingly powerful Kingdoms of Aragon and Castile. There is also wide-ranging discussion of inter-faith relations, and intellectual currents created by a unique synthesis of pluralism and external influences. Richard Hitchcock is Emeritus Professor of Hispano-Arabic Studies at the University of Exeter. He has written extensively on the history and literature of Muslim Spain, and is author of Mozarabs in Medieval and Early Modern Spain: Identities and Influences (2008).

Author Biography

Richard Hitchcock is a emeritus professor at the University of Exeter. He is author or editor of several books including The Kharjas (Boydell & Brewer), Studies on the Muwassah and the Kharja (Ithaca Press), Mozarebs in Medieval and Early Modern Spain (Ashgate) and The Arab Influence in Medieval Europe (Ithaca Press).