The Koran has constituted a remarkably strong core of identity & continuity for a religious tradition that is now in its fifteenth century This Very Short Introduction explores the significance of the Koran both in the modern world & in traditional Muslim culture Michael Cook provides a lucid & direct account of the Koran as codex as scripture as liturgy & as the embodiment of truth & examines its means of formation & dissemination He also discusses issues of interpretation for certain key verses demonstrating that fecundity of the text for readers throughout the world ABOUT THE SERIES The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly Our expert authors combine facts analysis perspective new ideas & enthusiasm to make interesting & challenging topics highly readable