Justin Marozzi: Islamic Empires: Fifteen Cities that Define a Civilization [2019] hardback HORRO While Riley Purefoy and Peter

While Riley Purefoy and Peter Locke fight for their country

'Brilliant escapism

"Marie Duffy is one of the best choreographers in the world

Should she do what she is told - or what she believes in

Enter Wendell

Justin Marozzi: Islamic Empires: Fifteen Cities that Define a Civilization [2019] hardback HORRO While Riley Purefoy and Peter'Excellent, authoritative and illuminating' Peter Frankopan, Sunday Times Islamic civilization was once the envy of the world. From a succession of glittering, cosmopolitan capitals, Islamic empires lorded it over the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and swathes of the Indian subcontinent, while Europe cowered feebly at the margins. For centuries the caliphate was both ascendant on the battlefield and triumphant in the battle of ideas, its