Books by Matthew S. Gordon

Ahmad ibn Tulun (835884) governed Egypt on behalf of the Abbasid dynasty for sixteen years. An aggressive and innovative actor, he pursued an ambitious political agenda, including the introduction of dynastic rule over Egypt, that put him at odds with his imperial masters. Throughout, however, he retained close ties to the Abbasid house and at no point did he assert outright independence. In this volume, Matthew Gordon considers Ibn Tulun's many achievements in office as well as the crises, including the betrayals of his eldest son and close clients, that marred his singular career.

Focuses on the socioeconomic, political, and cultural milieu in which a new religious movement was born and has thrived. This work includes a discussion of the origins of Islamic law, spirituality and theology, mysticism, philosophy, and culture, as well as an appendix of individual page-length biographies of important figures.

Traces the spread of Islam from the time of Muhammad to the early 10th century. Comprehensive but accessible, with a mix of narrative chapters, primary documents, and biographical sketches.