The Reverend Edward Sell believed that much written about Islam was either 'plain ignorant prejudice, ' or 'from an ideal standpoint, ' so he set out to set the record straight about this much misunderstood and sometimes feared religion. Sell spent fifteen years of his life in the Muslim section of India, completely immersed in Islamic culture, and this title is one of three books that he wrote of his experience and knowledge gained there. Although originally published in 1880, it is as current as if released last week, because the tenets of Islam haven't changed much in the past 1900+ years, and if you ever had any questions about the people you are hearing so much about in the news, this is the perfect book for you - and every politician - to read. Reverend Sell fully explains the different sects within this religion, their practices, and their main differences. Reading this book will give one a good idea of what the conflicts between 'them' and 'us' is really based on.