The Qur'an

The Quran: A Biography is a beautifully written and authoritative account of one of the worlds most famous, and most misunderstood books.

Few books in history are as poorly read or understood as the Quran. Sent down in a series of revelations to the Prophet Muhammad, it is regarded by the faithful as the unmediated word of Allah. It is revered by Muslims throughout the world, it inspires unparalleled levels of devotion, passion, fear and, sometimes, incomprehension.

In this book, the distinguished scholar Bruce Lawrence shows precisely why the Quran is Islam. He describes the origins of the faith in seventh-century Arabia and looks at why the Quran needs to be both memorized and recited by its followers. Lawrence also discusses the books many doubters and commentators and assesses its important influence in societies and politics today. Above all, Lawrence emphasizes that the Quran demands interpretation, and can only be properly understood through its history.