A Short History of the Fatimid Khalifate

"A Short History of the Fatimid Khalifate" by De Lacy O'Leary is an early 20th-century historical exploration of the Fatimid Khalifs, mainly centering on their influential rule in Egypt during the Crusades. Weaving together accounts from Arabic and Persian historians, the book offers a detailed view of the Fatimid dynasty, highlighting its importance Eastern and Western histories. The saga begins by tracing the development of the Fatimid Khalifate, examining the foundation of Shi'ite Islam and the rise of groups like the Isma'ili and Qarmatians. It explains these diverse groups' origins in political and religious disagreements, framing the Fatimids as powerful challengers to the Abbasid Khalifate. O'Leary advocates for a more thorough grasp of the complex dynamics between the Islamic world and the Crusades, asserting that examining the Fatimids is critical for a comprehensive understanding of medieval history.