Book Description: This vigorously argued book reveals the
central role that Islam has played in European history.
Following the movement of people, culture and religion from East
to West, Goody breaks down the perceived opposition between
Islam and Europe, showing Islam to be a part of Europe's past
and present. In an historical analysis of religious warfare and
forced migration, Goody examines our understanding of legitimate
violence, ethnic cleansing and terrorism. His comparative
perspective offers important and illuminating insights into
current political problems and conflicts. Goody traces three
routes of Islam into Europe, following the Arab through North
Africa, Spain and Mediterranean Europe; the Turk through Greece
and the Balkans; and the Mongol through Southern Russia to
Poland and Lithuania. Each thrust made its mark on Europe in
terms of population and culture. Yet this was not merely a
military impact: especially in Spain, but elsewhere too, Europe
was substantially modified by this contact. To