The Shiites
In Part 1 of this work, Pinault (Colgate Univ.) targets the general audience with an excellent, compact overview of the history, beliefs, practices, and various sects of Shi'ite Islam. Part 2, written for the more serious researcher, focuses on Pinault's recent work among the Shi'ites in Hyderabad, India. His study emphasizes the Muharram ritual, the local Muslim men's guilds that direct the ritual celebrations, and the role of liturgy in expressing the community's worldviews and self-identity. This is a valuable contribution to our understanding of the dynamics of Shi'ism today, particularly as it is removed from areas such as Iran and southern Lebanon, where recent politically charged discussions have informed our perceptions.- Paula I. Nielson, Loyola Marymount Univ. Lib., Los AngelesCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.