The Quest of the Historical Muhammad and Other Studies on Formative Islam

""Stephen J. Shoemaker, internationally renowned scholar in Late Antiquity, is particularly appreciated for his abundant work devoted to ancient Christianity and early Islam. In this collection, he examines, with acribia and erudition, the possibilities and impossibilities of reaching the figure of Muhammad in his historical dimension. The result is a fascinating renewal of perspectives on the Qur'an and the nascent Islam as extensions of the biblical traditions of Late Antiquity."" --Mohammad Ali Amir-Moezzi, director of studies, School of Advanced Studies, Sorbonne University ""This volume brings together a number of Stephen Shoemaker's most important studies on the Qur'an, along with a groundbreaking new essay: 'The Quest of the Historical Muhammad.' In this essay Shoemaker shows with precision how the field of Islamic origins in the West--in stunning contrast to Christian origins--has credulously followed medieval tradition. He then offers innovative new approaches to the study of Muhammad's life that challenge long held notions, such as the idea that Mecca was a bustling merchant city. The results are dramatic."" --Gabriel Said Reynolds, professor of Islamic studies and theology, University of Notre Dame ""This volume brings together five hard-to-find articles by one of the most original scholars on the study of Islamic origins. Writing in clear and accessible prose, Stephen Shoemaker presents original and stimulating hypotheses on the historical Muhammad, the nature of the Qur'anic corpus, Early Islamic sacred topography and eschatology. An essential read."" --Guillaume Dye, professor of Islamic studies, Université libre de Bruxelles