Apollo The Arab Conquests

I read the author’s book on Baghdad some time ago: the author writes fluently, with passion, with conviction.Despite working through Gibbon, the irruption of Arabia in such a small period has always interested me, although Alexander was similar but not durable.In this slim book, the author sets out plausible reasons why, ranging from the mutual annihilation of the two two then regional hegemonies to the attractiveness of the conquerors, the ease with which long standing Christians and I think followers of Ahura Mazda (not clear on the state belief systems of the Sassanids) converted.The book, for a slender volume, is lavish

It always puzzled me how the Arabs overran middle East, north Africa, Spain and Portugal and stayed there forever or for many centuries. This is the answer. But too brief.

This book is superb. It has just the right balance of erudition and accessibility. It is complex history but proves to be an easy read with fascinating facts and anecdotes - some surprisingly relevant to today's world. Marvellous quality binding and superb illustrations.

This is a very superficial book: a chronology masquerading as history. It is short anyway, but as much as a third of it is taken up with photographs, leaving even less actual writing. Having just read it, I am none the wiser as to what provided the impetus for the remarkable Arab conquests, how Mohamed managed to impose his vision on those around him, nor of the real importance of the Muslim faith in driving the conquests. It isn't even clear if the Arab conquerors were fervent Muslims or mainly driven by the opportunity of plunder and material gain. Having already been broadly familiar with the framework of the conquests, I am none the wiser after reading the book although with all the pictures I am more visually familiar with the area involved. I am sure Mr Marozzi could have given much greater depth as he clearly has the knowledge. Perhaps, with all its illustrations, the book was meant to appeal to children.