Gordon (history, Miami U.) briefly traces the trajectory of the religion from the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad in the seventh century to the collapse of the Islamic Empire in the early 10th century. His narrative is supported by a chronology, biographies of leading figures, primary documents, and a glossary. The bibliography is critically annotated. Originally published in 2005 by Greenwood Press. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)