A Sultan in Palermo

A Novel

By Tariq Ali | Publisher: Verso Books

About the book

The fourth novel in Tariq Ali’s ‘Islam Quintet’ charts the life and loves of the medieval cartographer Muhammed al-Idrisi. Torn between his close friendship with the sultan and his friends who are leaving the island or plotting a resistance to Norman rule, Idrisi finds temporary solace in the harem; but his conscience is troubled...

A Sultan in Palermo is a mythic novel in which pride, greed, and lust intermingle with resistance and greatness. It echoes a past that can still be heard today.

Praise for the Islam Quintet:

“A richly woven tapestry that even before its completion merits comparison with Naguib Mahfouz’s Cairo trilogy.” Kirkus Reviews

Editions of A Sultan in Palermo

Hardcover
ISBN 9781844670253
Paperback
ISBN 9781844671014
Paperback
ISBN 9781781689301

Read an Excerpt

The fourth novel in Tariq Ali’s ‘Islam Quintet’ charts the life and loves of the medieval cartographer Muhammed al-Idrisi. Torn between his close friendship with the sultan and his friends who are leaving the island or plotting a resistance to Norman rule, Idrisi finds temporary solace in the harem; but his conscience is troubled...

A Sultan in Palermo is a mythic novel in which pride, greed, and lust intermingle with resistance and greatness. It echoes a past that can still be heard today.

Praise for the Islam Quintet:

“A richly woven tapestry that even before its completion merits comparison with Naguib Mahfouz’s Cairo trilogy.” Kirkus Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Sultan in Palermo about?

The fourth novel in Tariq Ali’s ‘Islam Quintet’ charts the life and loves of the medieval cartographer Muhammed al-Idrisi. Torn between his close friendship with the sultan and his friends who are leaving the island or plotting a resistance to Norman rule, Idrisi finds temporary solace in the harem; but his conscience is troubled...

A Sultan in Palermo is a mythic novel in which pride, greed, and lust intermingle with resistance and greatness. It echoes a past that can still be heard today.

Praise for the Islam Quintet:

“A richly woven tapestry that even before its completion merits comparison with Naguib Mahfouz’s Cairo trilogy.” Kirkus Reviews

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in A Sultan in Palermo?

Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre

Where can I read a sample of A Sultan in Palermo?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781844670253

Is A Sultan in Palermo part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series The Islam Quintet

Who is/are the Author/s of the book A Sultan in Palermo?

Tariq Ali

Who is the Publisher of the book A Sultan in Palermo?

Verso Books

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

A Sultan in Palermo is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781844670253) and paperback(ISBN 9781844671014) and paperback(ISBN 9781781689301)

Where can I buy A Sultan in Palermo online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy A Sultan in Palermo?