The ornament of the world

Maria Rosa Menocal · first published 2002 · ISBN 9780316168717

Menocal chronicles the cultural flowering of medieval Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain), where Christians, Muslims, and Jews coexisted and created enduring artistic and intellectual achievements. The book traces how this period profoundly influenced European civilization through literature, science, and architecture. It presents a nuanced history of interfaith cooperation during the Middle Ages.