Description

n lively biographical portraits, illuminated by vivid descriptions from contemporary chroniclers, these great men, good and bad, come to life. We see them as administrators and military leaders, or engaged in bloody and fratricidal struggles for succession, as well as enlightened patrons of the arts and sciences. Women too often played a prominent part in affairs, from court intrigues and artistic patronage to occasionally ruling themselves. This is perhaps one of the surprising themes to emerge from the book, in addition to the subordination of Islam to the needs of political power and the use of mood-enhancing drugs, especially alcohol and opium.

With special features - from great cities such as Samarqand and Fatehpur Sikri, to astronomy and

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