The history of the qur'anic text

authors, adds little that is particularly new or exciting to scholars or experienced teachers. However, it contains an excellent Glossary and a comprehensive Bibliography, and one must concur with Lawrence’s puissant Foreword: ‘the following chapters are well-crafted and highly accessible essays that depict the broad elements, together with the specific accents, that make Islam like other religions, but also distinctive in its historical and contemporary expression’ (p. xii). This volume is a real cornucopia of academic perspectives expressed in layman’s language. As such, it stands as a first-rate introduction and guide to the religion of Islam for first-year students, members of the general public and others with little or no knowledge of the subject matter.