ampltdivampltpampltbAn unprecedented richly detailed and cleareyed exploration of Islam in European history and civilizationampltbampltpampltpTensions over Islam were escalating in Europe even before 911. Since then repeated episodes of terrorism together with the refugee crisis have dramatically increased the divide between the majority population and Muslim communities pushing the debate well beyond concerns over language and female dress. Meanwhile the parallel rise of rightwing nationalist political parties throughout the continent often espousing antiMuslim rhetoric has shaken the foundation of the European Union to its very core.ampltpampltpMany Europeans see Islam as an alien even barbaric force that threatens to overwhelm them and their societies. Muslims by contrast struggle to find a place in Europe in the face of increasing intolerance. In tandem antiSemitism and other forms of discrimination cause many on the continent to feel unwelcome in their European homes.ampltpampltpAkbar Ahmed an internationally renowned Islamic scholar traveled across Europe over the course of four years with his team of researchers and interviewed Muslims and nonMuslims from all walks of life to investigate questions of Islam immigration and identity. They spoke with some of Europes most prominent figures including presidents and prime ministers archbishops chief rabbis grand muftis heads of rightwing parties and everyday Europeans from a variety of backgrounds. Their findings reveal a story of the place of Islam in European history and civilization that is more interwoven and complex than the reader might imagine while exposing both the misunderstandings and the opportunities for Europe and its Muslim communities to improve their relationship. Along with an analysis of what has gone wrong and why this urgent study the fourth in a quartet examining relations between the West and the Muslim world features recommendations for promoting integration and pluralism in the twentyfirst