Privilege and Exploitation

Maxime Rodinson has over the years established himself as one of the most discerning—most nonaligned—writers on Islam. A Marxist, born in a Jewish Communist family, former member of the French Communist Party, who left it (or was thrown out) because the party line was too dogmatic, he is an intellectual and a scholar in the best sense. His thorough knowledge of Semitic languages, their background, and three great religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam which they gave expression, enables him to deal with the subject with a proper sense of balance, objectivity and relativeness.