This book takes a fascinating look at the role of the Arab-Islamic world in the rise of the West. It examines the cultural transmission of ideas and institutions in a number of key areas, including science, philosophy, humanism, law, finance, commerce, as well as the Arab-Islamic world's overall impact on the Reformation and the Renaissance.

'Dr. Nayef Al-Rodhan has brought together a distinguished group of scholars to offer a new perspective on the often neglected and unacknowledged Arabic-Islamic contributions to contemporary science, civilisation and morality.' - Professor Charles Burnett, Professor of the History of Islamic Influences in Europe and Co-Director of the Centre for the History of Arabic Studies in Europe at the Warburg Institute, University of London, UK

'A clear, concise and erudite historical book by Nayef Al-Rodhan. A must read for anyone interested in the history and future of Europe especially those with Eurocentrist biases.' - Slimane Zeghidour, author, journalist and Chief Editor at TV5 Channel, Paris, France

'Against the current climate of divisive religious and cultural discourse and within the dynamic process of globalization, Nayef Al-Rodhan brings together an eclectic collection of thoughtful essays that disturb the widely held view of the West as sole purveyor of reason and modernity, and argue persuasively for the Arab-Islamic contributions to modern civilization. This timely collection both illuminates and reminds us that we are, and have been for a very long time, united through our intertwined histories, interdependence, and shared convictions of the human capacity for reason and of our insatiable thirst for knowledge.'

- Professor William Granara, Professor of Arabic, Harvard University

'This very timely and comprehensive historical studyby Nayef Al-Rodhan, illustrates the interaction and inter-penetration among different cultures and civilizations that goes against the view of a hierarchy of civilizations or a clash among civilizations. It is a must read not only for students of the history of civilizations, but also for those interested in understanding and contributing to the building of a peaceful world civilization with universal values that consider differences as enriching and not conflicting.'

- Dr. Nassif Hitti, former Professor of International Relations and Middle East Studies, Arab League Ambassador to France and Permanent Representative to UNESCO

'This book takes a fascinating look at the role of the Arab-Islamic world in the rise of the West...Through this survey of cultural exchange and borrowing, the book challenges received Eurocentric narratives of the rise of theWest. It also offers a timely and important discussion of the implications of this shared history for contemporary trans-cultural relations.' - Lonaard Magazine