First Paragraph: This book, which focuses on the ruling era of al-Muqtadir (295-320/908-932), is collectively edited by four members of the School of Abbasid Studies, who examines various aspects of ʿAbbāsid history over many years. The book includes an introduction and three main parts, each containing two or three chapters. The time line of events prepared by Hugh Kennedy and a map showing the largest borders of the ʿAbbāsid Caliphate are useful for readers (pp. ix-xiii).