Sayyid Qutb’s influence upon radical Islamic movements during the second
half of the twentieth century is undeniable and has long been recognized. Recent
interest in the rise of radical Islam has led to a number of publications on
him, including a biography by James Calvert and several pieces that analyze
certain aspects of his ideology and writings. James Toth’s new text, which
presents a general biography of Qutb, seeks to combine these functions by
emphasizing the trajectory of his literary career along with offering a topical
analysis of the major themes found within his writings. At the same time, Toth
provides a fresh and comprehensive evaluation of the career and impact of
this famous Islamist ideologue.
American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences