JAMES A. BILL is Reves Professor of International Studies and Government at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. His books include the award-winning The Eagle and the Lion: The Tragedy of American-Iranian Relations. JOHN ALDEN WILLIAMS, a historian of Islamic civilization and religion, is Professor Emeritus of the Humanities in Religion at the College of William and Mary. His books include The Word of Islam.

"Such a timely perspective could save the zealots on both sides, at least from themselves." - Times Literary Supplement; "A trustworthy and timely work that will reward frequent use by anyone interested in the shape and future of religion in the modern world." - Middle East Insight; "Each chapter is loaded with stimulating gems." - Publishers Weekly"

JAMES A. BILL is Reves Professor of International Studies and Government at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. His books include the award-winning The Eagle and the Lion: The Tragedy of American-Iranian Relations. JOHN ALDEN WILLIAMS, a historian of Islamic civilization and religion, is Professor Emeritus of the Humanities in Religion at the College of William and Mary. His books include The Word of Islam.

"Such a timely perspective could save the zealots on both sides, at least from themselves." - Times Literary Supplement; "A trustworthy and timely work that will reward frequent use by anyone interested in the shape and future of religion in the modern world." - Middle East Insight; "Each chapter is loaded with stimulating gems." - Publishers Weekly"