Kingdoms of Faith

May 1, 2018

In this new history of Islamic Spain, Al-Andalus, Catlos (The Victors and the Vanquished) aims to correct misconceptions of the region from its two common historical narratives. In the first description, Al-Andalus is portrayed as a turbulent land marred by violent, religious conflict; in the second, it's depicted as a tolerant society with a flourishing culture. Catlos demonstrates that Muslim Spain was far more complex. For example, conflicts were not solely based on religion. The people of Al-Andalus also identified by ethnicity, social class, and city. Moreover, those of various faiths cooperated with one another and even intermarried. Violence and cruelty were common, but notably, clashes occurred more frequently among those of the same faith than those with different beliefs. Furthermore, Catlos takes issue with the usual representation of Al-Andalus as the result of a Moorish invasion; he shows that the majority of Muslims in Spain were indigenous converts. Relying on primary sources and considerable recent scholarship from Spain, North Africa, and Europe, he succeeds in producing a lively, engaging history. VERDICT Recommended for readers of Spanish, Islamic, and European history.--Dave Pugl, Ela Area P.L., Lake Zurich, IL

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