In Ishmael's House: A History of Jews in Muslim Lands, Martin Gilbert, (Yale University Press, New Haven and London, 2010) xxiii, 424pp., hardback, £25, ISBN 978 0 7210 3369 8

This is a remarkable book by Sir Martin Gilbert, a bestselling author.  He refers to the Biblical story of Ishmael and Isaac and goes on to consider the origins of the fraught relationship between Jews and Muslims - the refusal of Medina's Jews to accept Mohammed as a prophet.  He discusses the Crusader re-conquest of the Holy Land and reviews the great Muslim sultanates to the present day.  He records the expulsion and exodus of 800,000 Jews from Muslim lands following the establishment of Israel, the Six-Day War and the current political sensitivities of the Middle East.

Gilbert is conscious of the opportunities for Jews in Muslim lands, from Morocco to Afghanistan and dedicates the book to peace between Jews and Muslims.  In the Bibliography and the Glossary he demonstrates his use of documents from Jewish, Christian and Muslim sources and books, articles, newspapers, and archives from the Middle East, England and the United States.  There is a full index.

The book tells an absorbing tale over a matter of 1400 years and offers a challenge to the standard media representation.  Sir Martin presents a much more positive view of the clash of religions and politics.  He points out that Jews have often found greater respect, opportunities and recognition under Islam than under Christianity.  Unfortunately they have also suffered greater persecution.

This book has some 20 excellent maps and 29 photographs including a picture of a Jewish woman bringing her merchandise to sell at the Sultan's harem, Istanbul in 1754.  It is a reliable, documented account of one of the most significant issues of the day.