The Qur'an and the Bible: Text and Commentary

My copy just arrived. The sheer weight of it may frighten you off (it's 1000 pages!) but it shouldn't. It's academic, but not dry, and in my view, comprehensible by a non-specialist (such as myself!). I'm only a few chapters in, but thus far, the book makes the claim that the Quran evolved in the monotheistic milieu of the Levant (I'm simplifying). In some sense (especially with the discussion of the Syriac Christian writings which parallel some of the Quran) this feels like a nod in the direction of Luxenberg, but unlike him, the approach is much less a strictly reductionist etymological approach, and is more holistic.I've only begun reading the book (only 2 chapters in), I plan to update this review when I finish it.UPDATE: I'm about 1/3 of the way through. One thing I think could be better would be cutting out large portions of the Quran translation (the entire Quran, translated into English, is present in this work and accounts for the bulk of the text). A higher proportion of commentary would be better, but still, learning a lot and still very readable.UPDATE #2: I think the title of the book is something of a misnomer, since the Bible per se is not the only (or even principle) influence evident in the Quran, but rather, the Syrian Christian church is dominant. Overall, my sense is that this book lends further credence to the Luxenberg view that the Quran is 'really' a Syrian Christian lectionary (or similar, but used for Syrian Christian church services). I will continue reading, but there is an immense amount of repetition (in the Quran); if i read yet one more chapter about Abraham, Adam, Noah, etc. my head may just may explode.

E' arrivato prima del tempo e in ordine

Great commentary from Dr. Reynolds. I thoroughly enjoy his insights. He is careful with the Qur'anic text, and displays his vast research in Qur'anic theology/history. His consideration of biblical influence on the Qur'an is careful and respectful. As I read, I don't feel that Dr. Reynolds is undermining Islamic thought. I highly recommend this book. I'm so impressed I'm actually placing Notre Dame at the top of my list for graduate school applications, something I hadn't previously considered.

Thorough and well presented Quran translation. The pages feel great and the translation is in completely understandable English. The commentary is very useful in its specified focus and pairs well with supplemental commentaries in a reading session.

Very well researched. The book gives insight into where the Qur'an obtained many of it's ideas from previous sources; particularly Syriac.