"The Shia Revival" is, in fact, a history of Islam and its divisions. In this short, concise, readable volume, the reader learns how Sunni, Shia and Wahabi Islam emerged from the same teachings of Mohammed. Most important, it reviews the conflicts between the various approaches to Islam from their historical, economic, political and social aspects. This book should be read by everyone who wants to fully understand the consequences of this religion in today's world.

"The Shia Revival" is, in fact, a history of Islam and its divisions. In this short, concise, readable volume, the reader learns how Sunni, Shia and Wahabi Islam emerged from the same teachings of Mohammed. Most important, it reviews the conflicts between the various approaches to Islam from their historical, economic, political and social aspects. This book should be read by everyone who wants to fully understand the consequences of this religion in today's world.

I read this book last year and found it to be very informative about the religious and political forces that are shaping the Middle East. Maybe John McCain should read this book before he goofs up any more questions about who is funding the "Al Quaeda" in Iraq. Knowlege is Power.

A good book for anyone desiring a deeper understanding of the conflict between Shia and Sunni Islam-

This is an excellent book that gives insight ino the Shia branch of Islam. The Shias are the majority rule in Iraq and are the Muslim church in all of Iran. This book gives you an excellent understanding of the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Iran, of the conflict between the minority Sunni and majority Shia. It helps you understand where and why they are coming from and what to expect from them. It gives and excellent history of Islam and well as encapsulizes what it happening today. It is easy to read and gives you great insight into understanding the current conflicts there, including Saudi Arabia's role in controlling the Sunnis. It opens your eyes to understand what is really happening versus the propraganda we are fed in the U.S. by our government and lobbyists. You become wiser in understanding the many layers of deceit and lies thrown to the uneducated American public. I highly recommend this book if you truly wants some understanding about the conflict with Iraq and Iran.

Nasr has written a terrific book that describes the long history of the Sunni-Shi'a conflict and how it influences modern Middle Eastern politics. I would recommend it as a primer for anyone who would like to know more about the culture and current events of the Arab world. It's detailed, yet accessible and engrossing.

The book begins with description of the Ashoura festivals and the Sunni revulsion to what they consider to be idolatry. It then describes the great split among the backers of various Caliphs which eventually became the modern Sunni/Shi'a conflict, the history of how both sides became entrenched and what continued to fuel the discord between them. From there, Nasr describes how the religious and social luminaries of the Arab world saw their positions as pawns of the superpowers and how this shaped the many conflicting views of what the Muslim future should look like and how to get there. Finally, the author takes us through Iraq and Iran of today to show why the war in Iraq is so intense and shows little sign of slowing down (it's all about who holds what resources) and how and why Iran is using the war to its advantage.

I would like to give this book 4 and a half stars, but I can't give half stars. The only little fault of this great book is a slight tinge of sympathy toward the Shi'a. In a purely analytical and historical work, it doesn't seem fitting to show even the slightest tinge of sympathy or empathy toward the subject of your study. However, this is a very slight point and it doesn't compromise Nasr's command of the facts in any way, shape or form.

The author presents a very scholarly work on the background of the Sunni/Shia split, Shia history, and the rise of Shia in the Middle East. He argues persuasively that the War in Iraq, among other things, has produced the unintended consequence of strengthening Shia power in the region. This includes Iran, Shia in Iraq, and Shia minorities in countries throughout the region. The author does believe however that the balance of power will eventually settle and a peace will result generally between the Sunni and Shia. This book is very instructive in describing the major leaders and groups involved in this power struggle. It is worthwhile for all who have an interest in the Middle East.