'The Warrior Women of Islam is a groundbreaking scholarly examination of a topic that has long deserved more detailed study. The book offers a fascinating and insightful investigation into the representation of women warriors as found in a major narrative genre of pre-modern Arabic literature, the popular epic. The author's incisive analysis is unique in that it encompasses every major example of the genre and hence provides a panoramic view of the subject. The summation of decades of study by the author, this is a major contribution to the field.' - Peter Heath, Chancellor, American University of Sharjah, UAE 'Remke Kruk has written a delightful and indispensable study on a tradition of popular Arab storytelling little known or appreciated beyond its indigenous cultural and religious borders. Kruk expertly guides the reader through stories that should challenge common Western perceptions of the Middle Eastern woman, medieval or modern.' - David Waines, Professor Emeritus of Islamic Studies, Lancaster University; 'We can only praise the author for the courage and expertise she has shown in digging so extensively in such unexplored territory and for having provided translations of many passages from works of which complete modern Arabic editions are not available. Kruk's book appears an essential addition to any reader interested in the diversity of the literary and popular culture in the Arabic language for the wealth of material it provides and so carefully examines. The final result is a thorough and attentive study written in a clear prose that makes both an impressive work of scholarship and an enjoyable reading for specialists as well as for the wider public - a trailblazer for further studies in the field of Arabic literature.' Nicoletta Fazio, Folklore; 'She [Kruk] has opened up an immense field of research to others as well as giving the non-specialist a fascinating and enjoyable read.' Mary Hossain, Journal of Islamic Studies. 'a unique source for the visual culture of the epics discussed' and 'highly informative.' Melanie Magidow, Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, 77;