Book dossier

Lives of Mahomet and his successors

by Washington Irving

"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.