In recent times the world has entered a period where the interest of ordinary people in the West is focused increasingly on Islam and its Muslim followers who now represent a global influence of increasing importance. Some people may envisage Islam as a militant and destructive force, bent on conquest by terror tactics. Yet this perception is far removed from reality. As in any culture, Islam spawns a broad spectrum of devotees and the vast majority of Muslims are not fundamentalist fanatics but ordinary law-abiding people devoted to their faith. Yet this devotion itself is often seen as something alien and those brought up in the Christian, Jewish, Buddhist or Hindu traditions may find it hard to understand the beliefs and rituals of Islam. An Illustrated History of Islam will explain the history of the Muslim faith in all its many and fascinating facets and will dispel the myths that have grown up around it through a richly illustrated, objective, non-contentious and accessible book.