The legend of John Noforce- whose puzzling death may have been the result of a Native American Romeo and Juliet saga- 1676's bloody Nipsachuck massacre and the scandalous downfall of the poor farm and asylum are a few of the tales that linger among historic Smithfield's fields and forests. Once home to 'Apple King' Thomas K. Winsor and Arthur C. Gould, frustrated inventor of Rhode Island's first and only aircraft rest stop, this storied town has known both triumph and tragedy. Local author Jim Ignasher's expertly woven collection of vignettes speaks to the ever-enduring spirit of Smithfield's people. From illegal ice cream peddlers to a mysterious traveler killed by his own pet rattlesnake, the roots of this vibrant community extend far beyond its celebrated apple orchards
The term "Islamic fundamentalism" is often laden with negative connotations in today's media. Mahboob A. Khawaja, in Muslims and the West, argues for a new understanding of what fundamentalism really is. Based on an in-depth study of Islamic thinking, the author analyzes today's global conflict issues in light of the framework of the Muslim civilization. He tackles the question of what "change" means to the West and to Islamic society, and the difficulty of finding "meeting grounds" for the two societies. A stimulating and thought-provoking read, Muslims and the West will interest students of political science and policy researchers, as well as academic scholars.