William Muir

This comprehensive research book represents the first complete integration of current knowledge in this area. It addresses issues associated with poultry breeding particularly by examining quantitative and molecular genetics and the uses of transgenic technology. A special section covers the important area of disease resistance and transmission.

First published in 1999. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

The Caliphate by William Muir provides a comprehensive history of those 'successors of the apostle of God', the leaders of the Islamic community founded by the Prophet Muhammad at Medina. These were the Caliphs, rulers of the great Islamic Empire for over six centuries. Charged with the task of administering a vast empire, in their hands also resided the defence of the Islamic faith. This twofold responsibility produced leaders of outstanding courage, judgement and faith. Against a historical background, the author has highlighted the lives and characters of those extraordinary men who fought for the expansion and survival of a united Islamic Empire. In his original introduction the author offered his work as 'a contribution towards the history of the period for which there are, as yet, but scanty, materials in the English language'. The reprinting of this work will be no less welcome today as a continuing and valuable contribution to the field of Islamic study.