Alamut (Scala Translation) Paperback – November 20, 2007

I teach 7th grade world history in a small town, and I'm currently in my Middle East unit with my students. I finished reading Alamut, afterword and all. Reading the translation gave me the tingly, geeky, and very mentally stimulating experience that compelled me to write this review. As a teacher, I felt more enlightened as to the early schisms in Islam. I found myself looking up information so that I could make sure I had the facts straight from the fiction. For instance, I read a short primary source with my students from Nizam Al-Mulk's Advice to Rulers. I was fascinated to learn more about his assassination and the Seljuks in general. I thank the translator for helping me quench an aspect of my curiosity.

This historical novel launches our imagination into the historical castle of Alamut, captured by Hasan ibn-Sabah, presented against the background of the reign of Nizam-ul-Mulk as the vizier of the Seljug Empire. Although the writer gives us brief third-person access to his characters, our first look into Alamut is initially seen through ibn-Tahir, the grandson of a famous poet and Halima, a maiden - both who are soon to be incorporated into a cunning plan that we are introduced to with suspenseful hiatuses.All the newcomers into the 'institution' of Alamut are to leave their earlier lives behind and are systematically indoctrinated with Ismaili thought that they soon internalise. This thought cures many of their existential angst and as we see later, presents them with a vision to die or kill for. To serve the guild is taken as a path to achieve transcendence. Presented with the internal workings of Alamut, ibn-Sabah is shown to us as a God-like invisible mythological figure who best reminds us of Plato's Philosopher-King. Almost as a field experiment for Plato, his institution has well-defined heirarchies with the future "Guardian" Feyedeen taken as initiates to be given instruction in algebra, Arabic grammar, philosophy and the military arts and amongst other subjects. Sayyiduma's (Sabah's title) words and laws are binding and any dissent is to be met with death. Before he makes his physical appearance, the notion of unquestionable loyalty to Sayyiduma is presented as a thinking-tool to compare this notion with the rationally of staying loyal to a hidden divine entity such a God.Even in his physical state, Sayyiduma is presented as a strangely composed and confident character, even while having to calculate infinite variables to make sure his plans come to fruition. Although thought to be a religious leader by those under his command, he is a freethinker with an unmatchable intellect (reminds you of Adrian "Ozymandias" Viedt from 'Watchmen') that embodies the idea of the Übermensch who has transcended morality and humanity."Until now I've trusted my statesmanship. But now I'm going to see what FAITH can accomplish" - ibn-SabahThe story however, is simply a backdrop or stage that is shown to give practical examples of larger philosophical theories and thought experiments. At every page, it is difficult to miss parallels with current events, and in this right the book is timeless in nature. ibn-Sabah lures us into considering a wide range questions such as the nature of reality and consciousness, the nature of sensory perception, man and his relation with God, the idea of ecstasy, how men would kill to seek brief moments of perfection. Furthermore, we are confronted with ethical questions such as the bliss of ignorance, righteous deception, the morality of risking innocent lives for a a grandiose vision and uncountable others. It doesn't take long to realise that this book is a work of philosophical genius that manages to capture so many ideas in one simple story.Of course, as a work of fiction - there are large deviations from History. But that shouldn't bother anyone who takes this book as a work of philosophy more than a novel. Also, the poems in this book seem to be beautiful in their English translation. It entices me to learn Slovenian and Farsi simply so I could capture the emotion of the poetry in its original and untampered form. A fan of Omar Khayyam's works wouldn't be disappointed either, as he is given a significant role in the novel as an old friend of Sayyiduma.A must read!

First and foremost, the philosophies driving this story's themes are very powerful and profound. This book had me digging deep on my own outlook on things like self-purpose, the meaning of love, and the institution of religion. I don't think the author had an agenda one way or the other about faith, in particular, but the dialogue is definitely meant to provoke and question.The story is told in a weaved third-person, narrating many competing interests at once but without sacrificing heart for any character. The author certainly plays no favorites, and every character's fate is held in equal suspense. While the antagonist is pretty clearly defined, he's closer to an anti-hero than a villain.The setting is vivid and imaginative and almost blends fantasy with historical fiction, at times. It's clear the author did extensive research on life and political history of the time (as is said in the Afterword), but the author took some creative liberty to novelize a story and depict a grandiose world.For me, this was a story I couldn't stop thinking about, and was faintly sad when it ended. I only wish there were more people to discuss it with, as it remains fairly obscure in the U.S. and on the Internet, in general.It's not perfect. In fact, 4.5 stars is the rating I'd rather give, as the dialogue can be a bit meandering and maybe too intellectual for believable conversation. But the imperfections are covered by the author's commitment to a vivid and unrelenting storyline, and warrant a 5 star rating from me.

An intriguing book that mixes Crusades-era Muslim history with surprisingly modern religious extremist ideology. Not a dry book at all - the well-written characters and snowballing plot lines result in a satisfying read. I docked it a star for several ridiculous young female characters who were rendered hopelessly silly either by translation (the original book was in Slovenian), or by design.I got this book because I read that it was part of the inspiration for the original Assassin's Creed game. The slogan of the Ismaili leadership ("Nothing is true; everything is permitted") is used in the game, and the book mentions Masyaf, a locale also in the game. Other than those two things, the book and the game have nothing in common. The game even warps the slogan to a completely different meaning than that developed by the book.

Recommended to me by a Slovenian friend of mine. This book was surprisingly great. I've seen virtually no press coverage of it in the states, but really, it's super interesting. You obviously need to suspend disbelief because some of the premises are more than a bit off (e.g. that hash absolutely makes people fall asleep and act all trippy...riiiighhtttt...)