Despite the title, the focus of Peace Be Upon You: Fourteen Centuries of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish Conflict and Cooperation seems to be not equally of times of peace but mostly just a reiteration of the many years of unrest.

Author Zachary Karabell actually says that he believes that the ancient Muslims promoted peace and tolerance. He makes a true statement that Western greed and disregard for other religions are the reasons that we are despised by other countries. However, his next statement is that the terrorism we have suffered is our own fault.

Historians by definition are supposed to be impartial. Fortunately, book reviewers do not have that requirement. The ugly American (arrogant, ignorant, and obnoxious, i.e. Dubya) does exist; however, none of our actions can make terrorism against us justified.

I cannot in good conscience recommend this book to anyone for fear that it will further inflame the animosity between the groups his title purports to bring together.