In this study, newly translated into English, Bat Ye'or provides a lucid analysis of the dogma and strategies of jihad, offering a vast panorama of the history of Christians and Jews under the rule of Islam. A pioneer in a virgin field of research for which she coined the word "dhimmitude," the author has included in this essential work a documentary section illuminating the decline of Eastern Christianity.

In two waves of Islamic expansion the Christian and Jewish populations of the Mediterranean regions and Mesopotamia, who had developed the most prestigious civilizations of the time, were conquered by jihad. Millions of Christians from Spain, Egypt, Syria, Greece, and Armenia; Latins and Slavs from southern and central Europe; as well as Jews were henceforth governed by the shari'a (Islamic law).

Knowledge of this historical background is essential in order to understand contemporary events and developments so that future challenges can be faced within a context of positive religious dialogue and reconciliation.