The Venture of Islam, Volume 1 – The Classical Age of Islam

In this magisterial study, complemented by detailed charts and maps, Hodgson traces and interprets the historical development of Islamic civilization from before the birth of Muhammad to the middle of the twelfth century. "This is a nonpareil work, not only because of its command of its subject but also because it demonstrates how, ideally, history should be written."--"The New Yorker"