The Arabs in History Author:Bernard Lewis "Well Worth the attention of serious students of Near East. It incorporates the results of much recent research, it is well written (the introduction on 'What is an Arab?' is superbly done), it pays more than perfunctory attention to economic and social factors, and here and there contains brilliant insights." - American Historical Review
A very nice summary of the rise of Islam. Best is the good review of the causes of what happened before and after the prophet If you want to know about what makes Islam tick this will get you on your way in an expeditious way.