Synopses & Reviews
In this short biography you will discover how Imam al-Ghazali rose from his humble background as a fatherless young boy to become the preeminent Muslim scholar of the eleventh century and a towering figure in the history of Islamic thought. It also reveals why, after years of success, he left behind his prestigious teaching position and became a penniless traveler trying to experience the peace of a contented inner life.
With illustrations, photographs, and maps, the rich and diverse world that produced al-Ghazali is vividly brought alive.
Edoardo Albert is a London-based writer of Italian and Sri Lankan extraction.
Review
This slim volume outlining the life of Imam al-Ghazali, an 11th-century Muslim scholar and saint, is fairly sparse in content, reviewing only the most important biographical details of al-Ghazaliand#8217;s life, from his birth in what is now Iran to his scholarly career and his later years when he abandoned scholarship, turned to Sufism, and traveled the Middle East as a mendicant and mystic. Al-Ghazali is a fascinating figure, and even a short biography like this reveals his importance in the history of Islamic thought. Readers looking for a basic introduction will be satisfied with the straightforward prose, inclusion of beautiful photographs and medieval paintings, and inset boxes with background information about al-Ghazaliand#8217;s cultural and historical context. The simple prose and abundance of bandw illustrations may also pique the interest of younger readers and serve as a gateway to further reading about Islamic history and culture. Part of a series of short books aimed at introducing Islam in small pieces, works like this deserve more attention and a place in high school libraries. Ages 14and#150;up. (Jan.) and#151; Publishers Weekly, November 2012
Synopsis
Al-Ghazali is a towering Muslim figure from the eleventh century whose thoughts and actions changed Islam forever.
About the Author
Edoardo Albert is a London-based writer of Italian and Sri Lankan extraction. He specialises in religion, travel and archaeology, and gets up early in the morning (5am!) to write stories.