Listen to Tariq Ali’s recent lecture at the London School of Economics. He discusses his Islam Quintet, a collection of 5 historical novels that focus on the relationship between Islamic and Christian civilizations. He also brings to light many aspects of Islamo-Judaic history and culture which are all but forgotten or completely ignored today. Although he weaves fictional stories replete with colorful characters, he does not compromise historical accuracy. His books explore the last days of Moorish Spain, the times of Saladin, the twilight of the Ottoman Empire, the Middle Ages in Sicily, and finally, the 21st century in a story that moves from Lahore to London, from Paris to Beijing.