Muslim Spain and Portugal: A Political History of al-Andalus

Hugh Kennedy
Paperback, 358 pages
9780582495159

This is the first study in English of the political history of Muslim Spain and Portugal, based on Arab sources. It provides comprehensive coverage of events across the whole of the region from 711 to the fall of Granada in 1492. Up till now the history of this region has been badly neglected in comparison with studies of other states in medieval Europe. When considered at all, it has been largely written from Christian sources and seen in terms of the Christian Reconquest. Hugh Kennedy raises the profile of this important area, bringing the subject alive with vivid translations from Arab sources. This will be fascinating reading for historians of medieval Europe and for historians of the middle east drawing out the similarities and contrasts with other areas of the Muslim world.

Contents
1.The conquest and the age of the Amirs, 711-56.
2.The Umayyad Amirate, 756-852.
3.Muhammad, al-Mundhir and 'Abd Allah: the slide into anarchy, 852-912.
4.The golden age of the Umayyad Caliphate, 912-76.
5.The 'Amirids and the collapse of the Caliphate of Cordoba.
6.The Taifa Kingdoms.
7.The Empire of the Almoravids.
8. The second Taifas.
9.The early Almohad Caliphate.
10.The later Almohad Caliphate.
11.The Nastrids of Granada. Farewell to al-Andalus.
Appendix 1: Govenors of al-Andalus and Taifas Kings.
Appendix 2: Family trees of the ruling dynasties of al-Andulus.