About the book
From a master historian, the definitive account of history's first terrorists
An offshoot of the Ismaili Shi'ite sect of Islam, the Assassins were the first group to make systematic use of murder as a political weapon. Established in Iran and Syria in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, they aimed to overthrow the existing Sunni order in Islam and replace it with their own. They terrorized their foes with a series of dramatic murders of Islamic leaders, as well as of some of the Crusaders, who brought their name and fame back to Europe. Professor Lewis traces the history of this radical group, studying its teachings and its influence on Muslim thought. Particularly insightful in light of the rise of the terrorist attacks in the U.S. and in Israel, this account of the Assassins -- whose name is now synonymous with politically motivated murderers -- places recent events in historical perspective and sheds new light on the fanatic mind.
Editions of Assassins
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780465004980
- EBook
- ISBN 9780786724550
Read an Excerpt
From a master historian, the definitive account of history's first terrorists
An offshoot of the Ismaili Shi'ite sect of Islam, the Assassins were the first group to make systematic use of murder as a political weapon. Established in Iran and Syria in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, they aimed to overthrow the existing Sunni order in Islam and replace it with their own. They terrorized their foes with a series of dramatic murders of Islamic leaders, as well as of some of the Crusaders, who brought their name and fame back to Europe. Professor Lewis traces the history of this radical group, studying its teachings and its influence on Muslim thought. Particularly insightful in light of the rise of the terrorist attacks in the U.S. and in Israel, this account of the Assassins -- whose name is now synonymous with politically motivated murderers -- places recent events in historical perspective and sheds new light on the fanatic mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Assassins about?
From a master historian, the definitive account of history's first terrorists
An offshoot of the Ismaili Shi'ite sect of Islam, the Assassins were the first group to make systematic use of murder as a political weapon. Established in Iran and Syria in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, they aimed to overthrow the existing Sunni order in Islam and replace it with their own. They terrorized their foes with a series of dramatic murders of Islamic leaders, as well as of some of the Crusaders, who brought their name and fame back to Europe. Professor Lewis traces the history of this radical group, studying its teachings and its influence on Muslim thought. Particularly insightful in light of the rise of the terrorist attacks in the U.S. and in Israel, this account of the Assassins -- whose name is now synonymous with politically motivated murderers -- places recent events in historical perspective and sheds new light on the fanatic mind.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Assassins?
History and Archaeology > History > Military history > Medieval warfare (predating gunpowder warfare)
Where can I read a sample of Assassins?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780465004980
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Assassins?
Bernard Lewis
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Assassins is available as paperback(ISBN 9780465004980) and ebook(ISBN 9780786724550)
Where can I buy Assassins online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Assassins from below
Where can I buy Assassins?