John Esposito has written many books on Islam and on Muslims, including Future of Islam (2005), Islam: the Straight Path (2004), Oxford Dictionary of Islam (2004), and Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam (2003). He is the editor-in-chief of this set, and he is joined by other experts on Islam - Abdulaziz Abdulhussein Sachedina, Tamara Sonn, and John O. Voll.

This set (which could have been one volume instead of three separate volumes) has lots of information pertaining to Islam and related topics. It is a quick reference source with maps, black-and-white and color plate illustrations and charts. Along with articles on various Islamic organizations, nations, biographies, customs, history, religion, and many other Islamic topics are sidebars that have quick definitions and some longer definitions or descriptions. There are also notes in the sidebars referring the reader to another place in the set for information. There are cross references, see-also references, and at the end of each volume there is a glossary of terms, places, and people.

At the end of Volume Three is a bibliography of English-language sources in print and on the Internet (there are twelve Internet sources given). Also in Volume Three is an index for all three volumes. The topic of Islam and things connected with that religion and its people are of great interest to people because of U.S. involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan and because of the September 11th attacks and their aftermath. This set brings that information in a succinct way, and it is done by scholars and a reputable publisher.