"Muslims and the West: Encounter and Dialogue" is a collection of twelve select papers from a 'milestone' conference held in October 1997, which marked a vital step towards building bridges of understanding and friendship across the two civilizations. The conference represented a serious attempt to understand the complex relationship which exists between Muslims and the West spanning over fourteen centuries. In these papers, twelve highly distinguished scholars from across the globe address the subject with depth of understanding and sharpness of perception, in a style strikingly candid yet sober and balanced. 'This extraordinary collection of essays by Muslim scholars thoroughly conversant with Western learning and languages and non-Muslim scholars equally well-schooled in Muslim learning and its history is indispensable reading for anyone intent upon understanding relations between Islam and the West. Patient investigations of how Muslims, Islam, and Muslim cultures have been misrepresented in Western literature and scholarship through the ages lead to gentle suggestions for Westerners to correct their errors and Muslims to improve cultural relations. From them, we learn why we must reconsider our basic presuppositions about the other, whoever that other is' - Charles E. Butterworth PH.D, Professor of Government and Politics, University of Maryland, College Park. '"Muslims and the West" is an informative and thought-provoking examination of the complex relationship between Islam and the West. The book provides hopeful insights into the mutually enriching yet problematic encounters between the Muslim and Western worlds. A must read for both the specialist and general reader' - Louay Safi PH.D, Executive Director, ISNA Leadership Development Center.