Osama bin Laden (1957–2011)

The good thing about this book, besides the text of Osama's words and messages, is that it is very well annotated. Anytime Osama uses references to the Qu'ran or other Islamic works, it is identified in the footnotes. Also, other people, events, and so on are identified in order to provide context. At times, looking at some of the footnotes can be interesting. However, this is not exactly a page turner, part of the reason I gave it only two-stars. It is a bit slow reading. Yet, Osama emerges as a very talented and thoughtful orator for one as well as knowledgeable of his religion and beliefs. Thus, I think it is an important book. Certainly, researchers will find it of interest. College students who may be writing papers on topics related to terrorism and the Middle East may want to look at it as well. Overall, anyone wanting to get a better sense of the man and his movement should be reading this book.… (mais)