The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Islamic World

Find it in Ohrstrom at: REF 956 Ox2I

This comprehensive six volume set covers religious, historical and contemporary Islamic world topics.

Also: Consider using the library database Oxford Islamic Studies for reference articles gathered from a variety of Islamic studies material, including The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Islamic World.

Articles are arranged alphabetically, and include the following major categories:

• History & Geography
• Religious belief
• Religious practice, Devotionalism and Ritual
• Mysticism
• Islamic Law
• Theology, Philosophy, Ideology
• Schools of Thought
• Politics
• Economics
• Culture and Society
• Institutions, Organizations and Movements
• Biographies
• Islamic Studies

Examples: Afsharid Dynasty, Criminal Law, Games and Sports, Kashmir, Persian Literature

Helpful for: Islamic Studies, Global Studies, Humanities, Humanities V Research Paper, Middle Eastern Voices

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2. New Reference Book: Encyclopedia of Society and Culture in the Medieval World
3. New Reference Book: The Grove Encyclopedia of Islamic Art and Architecture

Encyclopedia of Society and Culture in the Medieval World edited by Pam J. Crabtree, Facts on File, 2008.

Find it in Ohrstrom at: REF 909.07 F11S

A 4-volume set comprised of more than 70 articles focused on Medieval society and culture.  Each entry discusses the article topic from the viewpoint of the following geographic areas:
•    Africa
•    The Americas
•    Asia and the Pacific
•    Europe
•    The Islamic World

Illustrations, maps and a smattering of primary source documents are included throughout.

Examples include: Calendars and Clocks, Education, Food and Diet, Gender Structures and Roles, Money and Coinage, Weaponry and Armor.

Helpful for:  Humanities III, History, European History, Medieval Studies, Medieval Enthusiasts

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Lura Sanborn – Reference Librarian

The Grove Encyclopedia of Islamic Art and Architecture edited by Jonathan M. Bloom and Sheila S. Blair, Oxford U. Press, 2009.

Find it in Ohrstrom at: REF 709.17 G911

Islamic art and techniques, as well as related people and places from Asia, Europe and Africa provide  the focus of this 3-volume set.

A sampling from the 1,600 entries: Fulani, Body Art; Jade; Carpets and Flatweaves; Metalwork; and Banknotes.

Helpful for: Middle Eastern Voices, Humanities III, Art, Art, Islamic Studies

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2. New Reference Book: The Greenwood Encyclopedia of World Popular Culture
3. New Reference Book: Society and Culture in the Ancient World

Do you want to know more about Islam, but don’t have a lot of time to spend looking for resources? Have a specific question and want a precise answer from a reliable source? Writing a paper and want to consult primary sources? Ohrstrom Library’s newest online reference database, Oxford Islamic Studies Online is suitable for both casual browsing and serious research.

When you open Oxford Islamic Studies Online, the toolbar provides drop down menus for several possible paths: search options, browsing, Qur’anic studies, timelines, and learning resources. Don’t miss this last choice, which offers a collection of trustworthy internet sites on Islam, a glossary, recommended reading with links to bibliographies, and two sets of reference articles: What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam, and Focus On. The editors’ introduction explains that these essays “are designed to stimulate thought and enhance understanding of vital aspects of the Islamic world.”

This desire to help curious readers gain a fuller understanding of Islam gives “Focus On” and “What Everyone Needs to Know” a smart, open tone – like listening to a favorite teacher’s best lecture. Oxford’s outstanding reference materials and user friendly tools make research accurate and simple. A date converter, Qur’anic verse lookup, and handy “cite” button that instantly provides Chicago or MLA citations are examples of Oxford’s thoughtful design.

Visit Ohrstrom Library’s website for brief descriptions of all the online databases available.

HELPFUL FOR: Humanities III & V, Humanities electives
FUN FOR: cultural creatives, news hounds, world travelers, journalists, art and architecture lovers

Related posts:

1. New Reference Book: The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Islamic World
2. New Reference Book: The Grove Encyclopedia of Islamic Art and Architecture
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