Taking a thematic approach, Bryan Turner draws together his important writings in sociology and Islam which engage with the relationship of Islam and the ideas of Western social thinkers. Turner engages with the broad categories of capitalism, orientalism, modernity, gender, and citizenship among others.
'Bryan Turner took interest in Islam when nobody else did. This collection of timeless essays, some of them classics, shows one of sociology`s broadest minds at the top of his game.' Christian Joppke, University of Bern, Switzerland 'Bryan Turner's stunning erudition, lucidity and breadth of vision confirms his stature as one of the leading sociologists of comparative religion writing today. Informative, challenging and polemical, Turner's depth of understanding of classical sociology, above all Max Weber, is augmented in these essays by his broad reading in philosophy, history and anthropology, ranging across millennia from Indonesia and the Ottoman Empire to Andalusia and modern Europe. His critique of Orientalism adds an important dimension to Edward Said's textual deconstruction.' Pnina Werbner, Keele University, UK 'Reading the essays is inspirational as well as enlightening. The volume is strongly recommended to students and researchers focused on a systematic study of Islam in the contemporary world.' Journal of Islamic Studies
