Campus Watch in the Media

Historian Denise Spellberg Taken to Task for Ridiculing Novel

by Winfield Myers
History News Network
December 3, 2008

http://hnn.us/roundup/entries/57708.html

http://www.campus-watch.org/article/id/6510

Political correctness is at its most parodic precisely when it seems beyond parody. The latest bit of history to support this adage is the Middle East studies establishment's reception of Sherry Jones's novel The Jewel of Medina (Jewel), a life of Aisha, the favorite wife of Muhammad. As Robert Spencer writes in his review of Jewel for the Winter 2009 issue of the Middle East Quarterly, Jones set out to "be a bridge-builder" who chose her historical sources selectively to ensure that her work would present a flattering picture of her subjects.

[Ed. Note: The full text of "To Ban a Book" follows.]

Note: Postings in "Campus Watch in the Media" do not necessarily reflect the views of Campus Watch.

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