I have no comeback to this:

“(3) I suspect she’s fears the wrath of Muslims enough not to get it wrong.”

Epstein is incapable of being unfair when it comes to writing…but I get your point nonetheless.

Keep up the good work :-)

That’s a fair question. There are three reasons why I think it’s trustworthy enough: (1) Armstrong is more sympathetic to Islam than Christianity, (2) She is simply condensing the basic history of the religion, and (3) I suspect she’s fears the wrath of Muslims enough not to get it wrong.

Meanwhile, I also must object to the inclusion of Professor Fish, whose book is discussed by the much better prose stylist Joseph Epstein here:

I usually appreciate a strong opinion, but I think that Epstein is being unfair to Fish. Epstein’s idea that you can’t learn much from examining sentences is just flat out wrong. Fish may overstate the case a bit, but there is a lot that writers can gain from learning the mechanics of good sentence structure.

An impressive list — I will be sure to add some of those titles to my already growing pile of books labeled “to read”. A couple of quibbles. First, why should we trust Armstrong on Islam if she can’t get her facts straight on Christianity? I would recommend to your readers one of Spencer’s books instead, e.g. “The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam and the Crusades”.

Meanwhile, I also must object to the inclusion of Professor Fish, whose book is discussed by the much better prose stylist Joseph Epstein here:
http://www.newcriterion.com/articles.cfm/Heavy-sentences-7053

Christianity: The Problem of Pain, C S Lewis.

A timeless, thorough, but concise review of one of the classic philosophical problems with God.

Investments: Common Stocks & Uncommon Profits- Phil Fisher

Economics: Economics in One Lesson- Henry Hazlitt

Social Commentary: Radical Chic & Mau-Mauing the Flak Catchers- Tom Wolfe