'In this work Todd Lawson takes up the thread of Paul Casanova's innovative but largely neglected work, Mohammed et la fin du monde (1911) and analyzes the Quran as an apocalyptic text. Inspired by recent work on apocalypticism.and drawing on a wide range of Sunni, Shiite, Akhbari, and Babi commentaries in addition to the Quran, Lawson investigates features of the apocalyptic mode - impending Judgment, the signs of the Hour, eschatological expectation, and so on - with great insight and critical sensitivity. He provides at once an appreciation of the Quran's literary power and a window into the visceral religious experience of the Quran's audience and of early Muslims. Particularly insightful is his analysis of typological figuration, by means of which the stories of Biblical tradition were made directly relevant to the Quran and the Quran's readers.' --Devin Stewart, Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Emory University 'What a pleasure it is to read the Quran through Todd Lawson's eyes! In this rich and erudite study of the epic and apocalyptic aspects of the text, Lawson adopts and elucidates many of the habits of ancient readers, and the result is a greater appreciation for the Quran's sweeping aesthetic, literary and spiritual grandeur. The Quran: Epic and Apocalypse is also invaluable for its deep engagement with recent.scholarship, and its venturesome analyses of minoritarian Muslim exegetical works.
Like a thoughtful and generous conversation partner, Lawson asks interesting questions, avoids dogmatic scholarly or religious statements, and leaves us with a lot to think about.' --Kristin Zahra Sands, Professor of Religion, Sarah Lawrence College 'The Quran: Epic and Apocalypse offers numerous fresh and important insights regarding Islam's most sacred text. Grounded in meticulous analysis of the Quran's religious and literary dimensions, this volume takes an entirely new direction in identifying and studying its epic and apocalyptic qualities. It is a must-read for anyone interested in comparative religious studies, or indeed in cultural and literary history.' -- Sebastian Gnther, Professor and Chair of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Gttingen 'By attending to the Quran's epic as well as its apocalyptic voice, Todd Lawson proposes to liberate Western readings of Muslim scripture from their current obsessions. It is difficult to imagine a timelier or more necessary scholarly intervention. And when the Quran finally acquires the audience it deserves, i.e.
, one capable of bracketing theological pre-commitments (pro or con) and appreciating it for the re-visionary work of.literature that it is, Professor Lawson's book will be recognized as a major contribution towards that long overdue cognitive shift.' --Peter Matthews Wright, Associate Professor & Chair, Colorado College Department of Religion.