The Story of Muhammad Told Anew : History reminds us why religion and politics don't mix.("The Prophet Muhammad: A Biography" by Barnaby Rogerson)(Brief Article)

When travel writer and historian Barnaby Rogerson first heard a Tunisian storyteller give an impassioned account of an incident from the life of the Prophet Muhammad, he was instantly captivated. The audience of modern Muslims alternately groaned and laughed, gripped by the ancient saga. The experience ultimately propelled Rogerson to write "The Prophet Muhammad: A Biography," in an effort to bring the story of Muhammad--which he calls "the Shakespeare, the Aeschylus, the Euripides, the Milton, the Pinter, the complete works of mankind combined in one coherent tale"--to Western audiences. It succeeds wonderfully.

Entwined with Rogerson's well-told yarn are insights into the origins of Muslim culture and practice. He explains the avoidance of alcohol and gambling, the call to prayer and ...