This fascinating book explores the growth and spread of Muslim peoples from the early 600s to the end of the Ottoman Empire. Early Islamic empires spread from the Middle East to the far corners of Asia and into Europe. The stories of the Umayyds, Abbasids, Al-Andalus, Fatimids, Crusades, Mongols, Safavids, and the Moghul and Ottoman empires are revealed. Key conquests and battles including the Crusades are detailed.

In the beginning -- The Empire grows -- The Umayyads -- The Abbasids -- The Eljuk Turks -- Islam in Spain -- The Fatimids -- The Crusades -- The Mongols -- The Mamluks -- The Mughal Empire -- Distant Empires -- The Ottoman Empire -- Biographies -- Timelines.