This series is devoted to the men and women throughout history who have made a significant contribution to the political, intellectual and religious landscape of the Muslim world. Each title combines first-rate scholarship with a strong emphasis on readability, and thus serves as a perfect introduction for lay readers and academics alike.

Series editors: Khaled El-Rouayheb (Harvard) and Sabine Schmidtke (Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton)

‘A brilliant and compelling, accessible and scholarly series of great history books that brings to life the greatest Moslem leaders in history… these are essential reading for anyone interested in Islamic history and culture – or anyone who just enjoys great reads about giant historical characters.’ SIMON SEBAG MONTEFIORE