Overview

Based upon extensive archival research and bringing to life the words and actions of extraordinary individuals from the early 20th century, this book calls into question contemporary assumptions about the appreciation of diversity as a solely postcolonial phenomenon. It shows how Bah', Muslim, and Jewish leaders prior to and during WWI found value in the existence of many different religions, races, languages, nations, and ethnicities within the British Empire. Recognition of this heterogeneity combined with sympathy for certain liberal traditions allowed those historical actors to engage with that imperial state and culture in ways that would have an impact on future generations and relevance to modern debates.

Full Product Details

9781526194893

Table of Contents

Reviews

'Engaging with extensive archival research, Robinson-Dunn explores the historical developments of Bahá’ís, Muslims, and Jews within the British empire, largely centered around the Great War... This fascinating study allows readers to explore the British empire through a new lens.' Recommended by CHOICE ‘Enormously absorbing, highly original, and making imaginative use of the primary sources.’ —Humayun Ansari, OBE, Historian of Islam and cultural diversity, Royal Holloway, University of London ‘Based on wonderful archival research, Robinson-Dunn offers fascinating new insights into the workings of empire and how imperial interests intersected with the goals of minority faith communities … an excellent account which deserves every plaudit, while pointing to a promising area of focus for future studies.’ —Brendan McNamara, Historian of religion and East-West encounters, University College, Cork ‘An important, fascinating and sensitively explained study of early twentieth-century Bahá’í, Muslim and Jewish engagement with the British State and the Politics of the Middle East.’ —Jamie Gilham, Historian and author of Loyal Enemies: British Converts to Islam, 1850-1950 -- .

Author Information

Diane Robinson-Dunn is a Professor of History at the University of Detroit Mercy

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