I'm not sure who the intended audience for this book might be. The average western reader (like myself) most likely will not get much out of it. In some places it was just a string of facts put on a page. People, places and clans/ethnic groups are mentioned for which I had no context. Historians probably know all that is presented and more so it won't appeal to them either.

The only chapters where I felt I could actually retain what I read were the ones on Cairo (maybe because I had lived there) and Baghdad (maybe because it is so much in the news).

Because I just finished "Blood and Faith: The Purging of Muslim Spain 1492", I could see a wide swath of history jumped over. It would seem that Spain's reconquest and purge would merit more than a sentence in "Cordoba, the European Capital". Similarly, the Battle of Karbala in the Baghdad chapter just appears and disappears with no context... or even a reason for it being in the chapter about Baghdad.

It is interesting how the author describes the cities in the chapter headings. This would be a great arrangement for a tourist guide... or a coffee table style book... designed to raise awareness and educate the public about these historic and important cities.

A good historical overview with wonderful description that helps bring these great medieval cities to life. There is a focus on the Middle Ages/Islamic Golden Age. The chapters on Mecca and Medina were especially good; Damascus, Cairo, Baghdad, and Córdoba are also covered.