Explores the significance of the Koran both in the modern world and in traditional Muslim culture. This book provides an account of the Koran as codex, as scripture, as liturgy, and as the embodiment of truth, and examines its means of formation and dissemination. It also discusses issues of interpretation for certain key verses.

Cook provides a lucid and direct account of the significance of the Koran both in the modern world and in that of traditional Islam, comparing it to other scriptures and classics of the historic cultures of Eurasia. Halftones & line drawings.