This study, first published in 1981, examines the Abbasid Caliphs from their coming to power in 750 AD, to the death of the Caliph al-Ma'mun in 833 AD, when the period of Turkish domination began. It looks at the political history of the period, and also considers the social and economic factors, showing how they developed and influenced political life. The work is designed as a unique introduction to the period, and will prove invaluable to all students involved with Islamic, Byzantine and Mediterranean history and culture.

Acknowledgements; A Note on References; Abbreviations; Glossary of Arabic Terms; Introduction; 1. The Geographical Background 2. The Origins of the Abbasid Revolution 3. Saffah: The Laying of the Foundations 4. Mansur: The Years of Struggle 5. Masur: The Consolidations of Power 6. The Reigns of Mahdi and Hadi 7. Harun Al-Rashid 8. The Great Civil War: I 9. The Great Civil War: II 10. Ma'mun: An Age of Transition 11. Patterns of Provincial Power 12. Alid Rebellions in the Early Abbasid Period; A Note on the Sources; Some Suggestions for Further Reading; Bibligraphy; Index