In his collection of nearly 60 essays and primary documents, editor Spencer (who runs the Jihad Watch weblog) counters what he views as a misleading and dangerous view of Islam being presented by Western civil rights organizations and others interested in distancing ordinary Muslims from extremists such as Osama bin Laden. Spencer and his contributors assert that in fact, a culturally ingrained contempt for outsiders characterizes much of the Islamic world and is a primary catalyst for terrorism, suicide bombings, and anti-Semitism. Spencer is also the author of Onward Muslim Soldiers: How Jihad Still Threatens America and Inside Islam: A Guide for Catholics. The volume lacks an index. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)