"Mahomet and His Successors," a book by Washington Irving published in 1850, provides a historical overview of the life of Muhammad and his successors, aiming to present a digestible narrative of the Prophet and Islamic traditions for a general audience.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Author:
Washington Irving, a prominent American author known for works like "Rip Van Winkle" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow".
Publication Date:
1850.
Focus:
The book explores the life of Muhammad (also spelled Mahomet in the title) and the individuals who followed him, offering a historical account of Islam's early development.
Intended Audience:
Irving aimed to create a work suitable for a family library, presenting the facts and traditions surrounding Muhammad in an accessible and flowing narrative.
Content:
The book includes both historical facts and the legends and traditions that became part of Oriental literature, along with a summary of Muhammad's faith.
No Claims to Novelty:
Irving states that he doesn't claim to present groundbreaking research or new facts, but rather to make the known information about Muhammad and his successors easily understandable.
Background:
Irving began researching the topic as early as 1827, while working on his biography of Christopher Columbus.