A History of the Nation of Islam: Race, Islam, and the Quest for Freedom

(Hardback)

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Description

This book provides a fascinating, unparalleled look at the Nation of Islam, including its history, the complexity of its views towards orthodox Muslims, women, and other minorities, and the trajectory of the group after the 1995 Million Man March. The release of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's extensive archive of surveillance files, interviews, and firsthand accounts has made it possible to reveal the truth behind the myths and misperceptions about the Nation of Islam. This comprehensive resource catalogues the times, places, and people that shaped the philosophies from its formative years through to its present incarnation. The definitive source on the subject, A History of The Nation of Islam: Race, Islam, and the Quest for Freedom draws on over a dozen interviews, along with archival and rarely-used sources. The book departs from the usual "Malcolm X-centric" treatment of the subject, and instead examines the early leadership of Fard Muhammad, challenges conventional views on Malcolm X, and explores the present day internal politics of the movement post Louis Farrakhan's retirement.

Reviews

Its large and impressive bibliography will make it a useful and authoritative source for scholars from other areas or disciplines who need definitive information on the Nation of Islam. . . . For academic libraries that serve a wide range of scholars. * Library Journal *

Author Bio

Dawn-Marie Gibson, PhD, teaches modern U.S. history at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK. She teaches courses on the Civil Rights Movement, U.S. history since 1877, and African American Islam.