Exploring an Islamic empire

"A survey of Fatimid history and its sources, this book combines an introduction to the subject as a whole with a broad overview of Fatimid history from the time when Abu 'Abdallah al-Shi'i began his mission in North Africa, leading to the foundation of the Fatimid state in 909 C.E., until the fall of the last caliph in 1171. Its major emphasis, however, is a systematic presentation of different categories of sources relevant to the study of Fatimid history." "This comprehensive work is a valuable addition to the historiography of the Fatimids and the Muslim world and will prove essential reading for students and scholars of Islamic history."--BOOK JACKET.