London-based authors Hill and Awde have written widely on the peoples and cultures they have met through their extensive travels in Islamic countries. Through this short history, they hope to explain the contexts and events that have led to the current complex situation in the development of the Islamic world standing today at the crossroads between tradition and modernity and to highlight the diversity and adaptability of this culture. Includes 70-plus b&w illustrations, photos, and maps; timelines of key dates, figures, and dynasties in Islamic history; and a glossary of Islamic terms. Academic but accessible to the general reader. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)