THE QUR'AN A Biography

An informed person today requires knowledge of Islam, and general readers will find Bruce Lawrence's introduction to the religion a worthwhile effort. Through explanations and interpretations of the holy book as well as a biography of the first prophet, Mohammed, one can gain a rudimentary understanding of this ancient and catholic faith. Michael Prichard's comfort with foreign names and words makes the deluge of dogma easier to understand and digest than the text alone. His smooth voice makes difficult concepts, including the differences between the Sunni and Shiite sects, find relevance in today's globalized civilization under continuous religious conflicts. Without this pleasant and avuncular narrator, some of the meaning in verses from the ancient book could be painful to absorb. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 07/ JAN 08]