". an impressive and original example of archaeologically-based historical interpretation of Islamic heritage! It is written in a style marked by a consistent and brilliant clarity. It is a "must buy" for anyone interested in a critical understanding of the religious history of Palestine." (Thomas Thompson, Professor Emeritus, University of Copenhagen, Denmark) "Andrew Petersen's new monograph 'Bones of Contention': Muslim Shrines in Palestine is an important contribution to the field of study and understanding of the historical and cultural context of Muslim shrines in the Middle East. With a focus on Palestine, the author seeks to highlight a number of important aspects relating to shrines, including historic Muslim mausoleums that have survived into the present day. Some of these are large structures such as Sidna Ali, a shrine on the coast sponsored by Baybars, while others are smaller, and Petersen expertly provides readers with examples of both. The author expertly traces not only history but also the changing status of these shrines from their origins, sometimes as non-Muslim buildings, through to the present where many are threatened with decay or by the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. " (Seth J.

Frantzman, research associate, the Rubin Center for Research in International Affairs, IDC Herzliya, Israel).