Leo Strauss and Islamic Political Thought

‘Rasoul Namazi’s excellent study is written in an English style superior to that of most native speakers. His careful, focused, and thoughtful examination of Strauss’s writing on Islamic thought could very easily inspire other valuable books, such as Strauss on Hobbes, Spinoza, Locke, and the Founding of Modern Liberalism or Strauss on French Political Philosophy, from Montaigne to Rousseau.’ Alexander Orwin, Louisiana State University

‘Namazi’s work is a signal scholarly contribution that gives Strauss’s writings on Islamic thinkers … an important place in his work.’ Jeffrey A. Bernstein, College of Holy Cross

‘This book is a wonderful tour through, well, Leo Strauss’s reading of medieval Islamic political philosophy (as well as, or including, the Arabian Nights) and much of the secondary literature surrounding both the reception of Strauss’s ideas and methods and the obstruction of such a reception on the part of mainstream historical and philological scholarship. One of the many great virtues and contributions of Namazi’s book is that it resists the traditional insularity of Straussian and non-Straussian schools alike, seeking to read with an open mind non- and anti-Straussian scholars while modestly yet confidently making a case for why non-Straussians should read Strauss on Islamic political philosophy.’ Andrew F. March, The Review of Politics

‘An awareness of the controversy surrounding Strauss pervades Namazi’s work. His apologia is a labor of love: erudite, painstaking, uncompromising. Namazi highlights Strauss’s contribution to Islamic political thought and argues for the continued relevance of the Straussian approach. There is much to recommend in the book …’ Mahmoud Youness, The Review of Politics

‘… patient and perceptive readings …’ Beau Shaw, The Review of Politics

‘The two distinct audiences Namazi identifies for his book are those interested in either Strauss or medieval Islamic philosophy. But his engrossing study of Strauss’s engagement with Islamic political thought carries value for a wider audience beyond these specializations. Considering Strauss’s engagement with medieval Islamic philosophy raises questions of significance regarding the relationship between European and Islamic thought. Namazi does not raise these questions directly, but this thoughtful study is valuable for those looking to understand and delineate the distinctiveness of European thought.’ Humeira Iqtidar, The Review of Politics

‘A very stimulating and suggestive study that presents, through Leo Strauss’s writings, the interface of medieval Islamic thought and the discontents of modern political philosophy in a thoroughly enjoyable fashion. A boon for every student and lover of Islamic philosophy. … indispensable.’ S. Parvez Manzoor, The Muslim World Book Review