Short description:

From Muhammed to the Ottoman empires and the modern struggle for Palestine, Akbar's story explains how Jihad thrives on complex and shifting notions of persecution, victory and sacrifice and the Muslim control over this phenomenon.

Long description:

The Shade of Swords is the first cohesive history of Jihad, written by one of India's leading journalists and writers. In this paperback edition, updated to show how and why Saddam Hussein repositioned himself as a Jihadi against America, M.J. Akbar explains the struggle between Islam and Christianity. Placing recent events in a historical context, he tackles the tricky question of what now for Jihad following the collapse of Saddam Hussein's regime.

With British and American troops in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and once again in Iraq, the potential for Jihadi recruitment is ever increasing. Explaining how Jihad thrives on complex and shifting notions of persecution, victory and sacrifice, and illustrating how Muslims themselves have historically tried both to direct and control the phenomenon of Jihad, Akbar shows how Jihad pervades the mind and soul of Islam, revealing its strength and significance.

To know the future, one needs to understand the past. M.J. Akbar's The Shade of Swords holds the key.

'A perceptive account of Islamic history that gives proper weight to south Asia. What can appear to outsiders as inexplicable becomes more understandable when rulers are seen as grappling with immense demographic and class changes.' - Martin Wollacott, The Guardian

'An excellent new book by the distinguished Indian journalist M.J. Akbar traces the centuries-long history of the conflict between Islam and Christianity, inflamed today by the world dominance of the US.' - Alexander Chancellor, The Guardian

'Wide-ranging and very readable account of the varied interpretations of the concept through history.' - The Statesman

'A whirlwind tour of Islamic history ... reminds us that although Islamism per se, and with it jihad, periodically falls into abeyance, it never vanishes for good.' - Justin Wintle, Sunday Times

'A must read for any right-minded Indian who wishes to understand the dynamics of the continent and must therefore understand the intricacies of Islam.' - Suhel Seth, Indian Express

'The Shade of Swords is a book of learning and a book of revelations.' - Goolam E Vahanvati, Asian Age

'Akbar makes some telling points ... [a]nd it's hard to argue with his conclusion: "Defeat is only a setback in the holy war. The jihad goes on."' - Washington Post

'Provocative, idiosyncratic, polemical and wide-ranging, M.J Akbar's writing reflects his depth of experience and his passion for his subject. It is perhaps his most timely book yet.' - William Dalrymple

'... an engrossing account of the historic conflict between the world's two major faiths.' - Mohammed Khan

'Best at evoking sympathetically the religious emotion that drives holy wars ... His book is a succession of vivid accounts of Muslims who fought Christians, Hindus and Jews. A wide, entrancing stretch of history [that] has a taste for flamboyant characters and lively anecdotes.' - Radhakrishnan Nayar, THES

For anyone interested in the tensions between Islam and Christianity - and that should be everyone - this is the right book at the right time by the right author. In his superb treatment of one of the most important and vexing issues in the world today, M. J. Akbar combines deep knowledge of both history and current events with clear thinking and clear writing. - Strobe Talbott

Shade of Swords should be studied by everyone interested in minimizing religious conflict across the planet in the new century. - David Kilgour, Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific), Canada

'The book is remarkable for the candour and acuity with which the whole question of Islamic fundamentalism and related issues are dealt with - given post September 11 developments it is also very topical.' - Journal of the Commonwealth Lawyer's Association

' ... this Indian journalist has a firm grasp of developments and is an accurate commentator.' - Reviews in Religion & Theology, Vol 11, issue 3, 2004

' ... the earlier sections are entertaining and well worth perusing.' - The Houston Chronicle

'A glossary, chronology, reading list, and table of biographical sketches add to the book's usefulness.' - Library Journal Reviews

'The Shade of Swords is the most honest and candid survey produced in print about the roots of rage in Islam and Christianity.' - www.atimes.com

'In the crowded category of works on the historical forces behind September 11, Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda, this book stands out ... Akbar writes well, tu