Books by Ian Richard Netton

Examines one of the most exciting and dynamic periods in the development of medieval Islam, from the late-9th to the early 11th century, through the thought of five of its principal thinkers, prime among them al-Farabi.

Explores facets of the Islamic search for knowledge. It examines important figures ranging from Abu Najib al-Suhrawardi and Ibn al-'Arabi to Ibn Battuta and Ibn Jubayr. Divided into two main sections - Thought and Travel - all essays are linked by the common theme of the quest for knowledge.

This distinctive comparison of Islamic and Christian mysticism focuses on the mystic journey in the two faith traditions - the journey which every believer must make and which leads to the Divine. The author clears away misconceptions and highlights similarities and differences in the thought and lives of six key mystics: Al-Kalabadhi, Al-Daylami, Al-Qushayri, Julian of Norwich, Thomas A. Kempis and Teresa of Avila. He considers the ways of Perfection on the Mystic Path and asks in what ways these authors have embarked on the mystic journey. He looks at the themes they have in common, as well as their differences, and asks how they envisage the concept of 'union' with the Deity. Readers will gain a broad understanding of the interdisciplinary and intertextual nature of the subject, as well its the diverse intellectual and historical contexts. Key FeaturesHighly interdisciplinary: embraces both Eastern and Western mystical traditionsSurveys themes as diverse as secular chivalry and union with the DivineExamines the role of al-Khidr/ al-Khadir/ Elijah/ Elias/ St George in both the Islamic and Christian mystical traditionsConsiders the negative and positive articulations of each traditionAssesses and compares three major Islamic and three major Christian mysticsA companion volume to Islam, Christianity and Tradition: A Comparative Exploration by Ian R. Netton (978 0 7486 2392 1)

This major work highlights the importance of Sufi ritual and locates it within the broader domain of the Islamic world.

This book concentrates on the Brethren's writings, analysing the impact on them of thinkers such as Pythagoras, Plato, Aristotle and the Neoplatonists and tracing the influences of Judaism and Christianity.

This examines the role of God in medieval Islamic philosophy and theology. Modern literary modes are used to criticize major Islamic and Arab thinkers of the Middle Ages and their views on the nature, function, role and development of their God.

This book offers a unique comparative exploration of the role of tradition in Islam and Christianity. In comparing the role of tradition in Islam and Christianity, key themes are explored such as the roles of authority, fundamentalism, the use of reason, and ijtihad (independent thinking).

Offers a resource for the busy librarian, student or scholar with Middle Eastern interests. It aims to guide readers to the major collections of books and other materials on the subject in the UK and Ireland, as well as to some lesser-known collections.

Explores various facets of the Islamic search for knowledge, with essays on aspects of Thought or Travel.

An essay in literary criticism with a difference, addressing the nature of blasphemy and using selected novels by Salman Rushdie, Najib Mahfuz and Nikos Kazantzakis as case studies.

Both a dictionary and a glossary of terms, this work attempts to cover the entire field of Islam - religious, ethical and philosophical. Features include the use of terms most likely to be encountered in current reading, and biographies of eminent Muslim and Islamic scholars throughout the ages.

Focuses on three major themes from Islam: migration, pilgrimage and travel. Discussed separately, they are linked by the fact that they examine the cosmopolitan Islamic social order which emerged in a large part of the Afro-Eurasian land mass and that they reflect Muhammad's call to seek knowledge.