Black Banners of ISIS

“An in-depth analysis of ISIS’s actions and ideals”—Publishers Weekly

“A penetrating analysis . . . Wasserstein brilliantly provides an insightful perspective.”—K. M. Zaarour, Choice

"Black Banners of Isis is an exceptionally important and apt work of great scholarship and erudition. David Wasserstein brings to life the fascinating story of Islamic messianic movements and their continuing significance into modern times. This book will become the standard work on the subject. A must read."—Ali Allawi, author of The Crisis of Islamic Civilisation

"In this excellent, necessary book, a distinguished medievalist and an expert in Classical Islam brilliantly analyzes IS, shining light on the ideology that drives the movement."—Mercedes Garcia-Arenal, Spanish Council for Scientific Research

“David Wasserstein, an expert on medieval Islam, has produced one of the most authoritative accounts of ISIS's meteoric rise and ideological foundations. Black Banners of ISIS is required reading for anyone wishing to understand the group's theological underpinnings and unrestrained violence.”—Bruce Hoffman, Georgetown University, author of Inside Terrorism