Author

Publication

2017 - Cambridge University Press

Language

English

Word Count

72,000 words, Guess

Page Count

288 pages

Identifiers

  • ISBN-139781107036819
  • ISBN-10110703681X
  • Library of Congress Control Number2016045144
  • OCLC Control Number960641970
  • Better World Books9781107036819
and 1 more

Classifications

  • LCCHC240.R78 2016
  • LCCHC240 .R78 2017

Description

For centuries following the spread of Islam, the Middle East was far ahead of Europe. Yet, the modern economy was born in Europe. Why was it not born in the Middle East? In this book Jared Rubin examines the role that Islam played in this reversal of fortunes. It argues that the religion itself is not to blame; the importance of religious legitimacy in Middle Eastern politics was the primary culprit. Muslim religious authorities were given an important seat at the political bargaining table, which they used to block important advancements such as the printing press and lending at interest. In Europe, however, the Church played a weaker role in legitimizing rule, especially where Protestantism spread (indeed, the Reformation was successful due to the spread of printing, which was blocked in the Middle East). It was precisely in those Protestant nations, especially England and the Dutch Republic, where the modern economy was born. -- Provided by publisher.

Subjects

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