by John D. Cressler
A New Historical Novel Set in Medieval Muslim Spain

A book launch for Georgia Tech professor John D. Cressler’s new historical novel, Fortune’s Lament, will be held at Barnes & Noble Bookstore @ Georgia Tech, on Wednesday, April 18th, at 7:00pm. Cressler’s fiction revolves around love stories set against the backdrop of pivotal historical events in medieval Muslim Spain, and each has a strong interfaith theme. There will be a presentation, followed by Q&A, and a book signing.

Much of modern Spain were under Muslim control for nearly 800 years (from 711 to 1492 C.E.). Medieval Muslim Spain (al‐Andalus—Andalusia, in English) was deeply influential in world history, for a multitude of reasons, including the rediscovery, translation and dissemination of the lost works of medicine, science, and philosophy of the ancient Greeks. The Muslim Umayyads (with roots tracing back to Syria), were lovers of books and learning, and helped launch a cultural revolution in Córdoba which transformed the western world. An exceptional (even by today’s standards) 200 year period of peaceful coexistence (la convivencia) between the three Abrahamic faith traditions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) transpired under Muslim Umayyad rule, providing a powerful lesson in the practice of multiculturalism for our 21st century world.

Fortune’s Lament is the third release in the Anthems of al‐Andalus Series, which break open this largely forgotten and fascinating history for modern readers. All three novels are love stories set at pivotal moments in the history of medieval Muslim Spain. Fortune’s Lament is set in Granada’s Alhambra Palace 120 years after Emeralds of the Alhambra, and tells the story of Danah, a young Muslim woman who aspires to be the first female physician in the city. Love unexpectedly blossoms between Danah and Yusef, a valiant prince of court from a rival clan, during the bloody final conquest of Granada by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Christian Spain. As the light of al‐Andalus dims, the Inquisition looms large on the horizon, as does the coming voyage of Columbus to discover the Americas.

John D. Cressler is Schlumberger Chair Professor at Georgia Tech and the author of five non‐fiction books (two for general audiences) and the historical novels Emeralds of the Alhambra, Shadows in the Shining City, and Fortune’s Lament, love stories set in medieval Muslim Spain. Visit http://johndcressler.com

The event is free and open to all. Join the fun!