The Politics of Knowledge in Premodern Islam

“Safi focuses on a fascinating period in Islamic history that is not only replete with famous historical figures but also brimming over with historical developments of immeasurable significance for all subsequent Islamic history. Safi’s book is the only integrated and engaging social and cultural history of this period, and as such it makes a singular contribution to the study of Islamic history.” — Ahmet T. Karamustafa, Washington University

“Quite contemporary, not just in vocabulary and method, but in intellectual tastes and opinions as well.” — Islamic Studies

“Marks an important step forward in raising questions and problematizing previously unstudied issues . . . It can readily serve both as a foundation and as an inspiration for future studies.” — Journal of American Academy of Religion

“An important step forward in raising questions and problematizing previously unstudied issues . . . It can readily serve both as a foundation and as an inspiration for future studies.” — Journal of American Academy of Religion

“Well written and decidedly useful, Omid Safi’s study should stand as a lasting contribution to Saljuq history and to Islamic/Near Eastern history more generally. His many new ideas oblige those in the overlapping fields of premodern Islamic studies to recast long-held arguments concerning Saljuq politics and society and to rethink the lives of prominent figures of the period.” — Matthew S. Gordon, Miami University