These two volumes comprise a documentary history of Islam, from the advent of the prophet Muhammad to the capture of Constantinople by Sultan Mehmed, the Conqueror. They are concerned with a period that extends from the beginning of the seventh century to 1453; with a region that expands from western Arabia to embrace the Middle East and North Africa, as well as parts of Asia, of tropical Africa, and southern and eastern Europe; with peoples and states which, amid many diversities, shared a common acceptance of the faith and law of Islam and professed to live by them; and, finally, with the civilization they created. Throughout, Professor Lewis has translated from original sources and documents - works that present the sweeping civilization of Islam in all its vastness and glory. These volumes are now made available in paperback once again.