Medieval Studies and Arab history

[Whiskey_Lord]

I am considering pursuing a PhD in Medieval Studies and part of my interest is in Arab history, science and literature in the centuries of and following the Muslim conquests. Trouble is, I am a complete noob in this field, though what little I know has intrigued me. Can anyone prescribe some good books on the subject? I am looking for stuff that comes from reliable scholarly sources but more beginner-friendly on the subject if possible. We can discuss why some sources might be a better investment than others etc.

Originally, I intended to focus on early Germanic/Anglo-Saxon literature and history in my coursework, but now I would like to branch out into the aforementioned area as well. Does anyone think that might present a conflict of interest? I've been told by one of my professors (also a Medievalist) that I would probably do well studying multiple fields however.

 

[LightSpectra]

The New Concise History of the Crusades by Thomas F. Madden is both scholarly reliable and a good introduction to that subject. I can also tell you a bit about Spain as it was exiting the Middle Ages, but beyond that, not much.

 

[Dachs]

For introductory (emphasis on the introductory) purposes and for a treatment of the Umayyads and 'Abbasids in a systemic context of post-Roman societies and political structures, check out Chris Wickham, The Inheritance of Rome. Has a good bibliography, and should help as an introduction to the secondary literature.

 

[Whiskey_Lord]

Thanks guys. These seem pretty inexpensive for history books. Good for a poor MA student.

 

[Pangur Bán]

What era were you thinking of?

Here are some initial suggestions of books I have found useful an introductions to the respective topics:
* Robert G. Hoyland, Arabia and the Arabs from the Bronze Age to the Coming of Islam (London, 2001)
* Jonathan P. Berkey, The formation of Islam: religion and society in the Near East (Cambridge, 2003)
* Hugh Kennedy, The Prophet and the Age of the Caliphates (Harlow, 2004)
* Peter M. Holt, The Crusader States and their Neighbours, 1098–1291 (Harlow, 2004)
(or for bigger survey) Peter M. Holt, The age of the Crusades : the Near East from the eleventh century to 1517 (London, 1986)

I'd also recommend for the Turks and Persia:
* Richard Frye, The Golden Age of Persia: The Arabs in the East (London, 1975)
* David Morgan, Medieval Persia 1040-1797 (London, 1988)
* Claude Cahen, The formation of Turkey : the Seljukid Sultanate of Rūm : eleventh to fourteenth century (Harlow, 2001)

 

[Whiskey_Lord]

I won't choose an era until I have more knowledge on the subject and/or I'm down to the wire and I have to write one on the application. Another concern I have is how viable this is as a field of study in terms of career prospects. My goal is to become a professor, but I'm wondering if staying with the Anglo/Germanic stuff is better because I will be more marketable that way

 

[jagdtigerciv]

Be careful not to confuse, say, 'the Golden Age of Islam' and post-Islam Arab history. Turks, Persians, Mongols, etc. had a profound effect upon the middle-east, especially after the 11th century, when they increasingly dominated Muslim affairs. The Abbasids and Fatamids are example of chief Arab-dominated dynasties. Even the Abbasids and Fatamids have strong outside influences, such as the Fatamids and the Berbers.

 

[Cheezy the Wiz]

Hugh Kennedy's pair of books are excellent reads. When Baghdad Ruled the Muslim World covers the Abbasid Empire, and The Great Arab Conquests, well, you can figure that one out.

 

[Masada]

Arab conquests111!!!1111

 

[shortguy]

I'm a bit confused. You're a MA student considering a switch in concentrations on the strength of a few introductory books and no relevant coursework? Isn't it a bit late in the game for this? I don't mean this to be snarky or anything, I'm honestly not sure how you could make this work.

 

[Whiskey_Lord]

I'm a bit confused. You're a MA student considering a switch in concentrations on the strength of a few introductory books and no relevant coursework? Isn't it a bit late in the game for this? I don't mean this to be snarky or anything, I'm honestly not sure how you could make this work.

It's not. I don't need to choose an emphasis until I apply for a PhD program. Until then, I'm pretty much free to explore whatever.