Date: 15/7/04
www.ibtauris.com
Magnificent castles and fortresses in remote, mountainous regions were built for refuge by the
Ismaili Muslims of Iran and Syria fleeing from persecution during the early middle ages. Often superior in construction to those built by the Crusaders, these castles withstood numerous offensives for over two centuries until the middle of the thirteenth-century when most were captured and demolished by the Mongols.
In his new book Peter Willey describes the discoveries he made during the
course of more than 20 expeditions to these Ismaili sites spanning the past forty years. The book is exceptionally well illustrated with photographs, maps and plans. As well as being a piece of original scholarship, it is also a readable personal account of the challenges encountered in expeditions to
remote, inaccessible and often hazardous locations.
Peter Willey lectures on the Middle East and Islamic art and culture at Bristol University. His books include The Castles of the Assassins (1963) which is regarded as the standard work on the subject.
272 pages 234 x 156mm August 2004
1 85043 464 6 hardback £25.00
illustrations and maps
I.B.Tauris in association with
The Institute of Ismaili Studies
Ismaili Heritage Series 10 |