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The Koran: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) | 
 enlarge | Author: Michael Cook
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Category: Book
List Price: $11.95
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Rating:  23 reviews
Sales Rank: 203931
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 164
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 6.7 x 4.3 x 0.5
ISBN: 0192853449
Dewey Decimal Number: 297.12261
EAN: 9780192853448
ASIN: 0192853449
Publication Date: June 15, 2000
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Product Description
The Koran has constituted a remarkably resilient core of identity and continuity for a religious tradition that is now in its fifteenth century. In this Very Short Introduction, Michael Cook provides a lucid and direct account of the significance of the Koran both in the modern world and in that of traditional Islam. He gives vivid accounts of its role in Muslim civilization, illustrates the diversity of interpretations championed by traditional and modern commentators, discusses the processes by which the book took shape, and compares it to other scriptures and classics of the historic cultures of Eurasia.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 18 more reviews...
 A short, adequate review January 10, 2008
In a very short introduction it is often hard to get much done. Cook here succeeds in giving some basic interpretations on significant verses in the Koran - the famous "sword verses", balanced against the verse that there should be no compulsion in Islam. He also dwells (perhaps too much) on the verse reviewing God's curse on Israeli fishermen who violated the Sabbath (that allegedly turned them into apes). Some reference to how Muslims themselves interpret the Koran is made. A reader already initiated in the study of Islam or the Koran might appreciate this more than the novice - as Cook dwells considerably on language and translation issues. The final section discusses possible theories of the formation of the Koran (as well as some comments on the sword verses) from the days of the caliph Uthman or before. Overall it is a quick, adequately informative read, but I would not make it your last stop in searching for the best text on a quick introduction to the Koran.
 Excellent introduction November 4, 2007
I read this as the first of a self-directed, self-education course on the Qur'an and Islam. After having read several other books in the area, I can now say that this proved to fulfill superbly its purpose and mission as a short introduction to the Qur'an. I am a relatively slow reader, but I managed to digest this in about three hours. It is straightforward, readily understandable, and (I firmly believe) objective. It certainly eclipses one of its rivals, "The Qur'an" by Bruce Lawrence. Beyond that, I can only second the comments of Mr. Dekle, from April 2006.
very good introduction to quran/koran September 16, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a good history and a high level overview of the Quran. Author brings academic and historical context to the Quran. Readers looking to prove or disprove the authenticity of the holy book will be disappointed. Those looking for a scholarly perpective will enjoy it.
Magnificent Overview in Small Size July 18, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Magnificent overview of the Quranic text, some thoughts on how it is interpreted, and also on the different styles of Quranic recitation. The book's scope is impressive for its small size.
More Literal than Spiritual... July 16, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a great book for anyone looking for a very scholarly look at the Koran and the world of Islam. It must be said that this is a brief overview of a very complex subject. The book it jam-packed with information 'about' the Koran, but does not spend much time on 'explaining' the beliefs behind the Koran. This is in no way a substitute for study of the Koran, if that is what the reader is looking for. As a very educated text, this book stands far above many others. It was not what I was personally seeking, but that does not take away from the quality of this text.
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