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Rating: 
Summary: Balance and reflection
Review: After having read and viewed a wide range of books on the Nation of Islam and also works published by the NOI, I think Gardell's presentation of the NOI is the most balanced, encompassing, systematized, readable and reflected book on the subject. This work is a must for everyone that wants some real insight into the history and theology of the Nation, whereas most other books on NOI that are still in print are providing nothing but repetions of what we already know. Read this book, acquire new insights and become wiser.
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Summary: I'm no academic...
Review: but you needn't be one to enjoy this book. Mattias Gardell does an excellent job of explaining the history of and contradictions within the Nation of Islam. He explains their beliefs in a very straight forward manner. As a previous reviewer mentioned, you're best off ignoring Gardell's opinions on the NOI and drawing your own conclusions. To his credit, the author allows you to do just that.
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Summary: In the Name of Elijah Muhammad
Review: Gardell's impressive research results in a far richer and more subtle account of the NOI and Farrakhan. Immersing himself in the writings of the movement and in much else related to it (such as its connections to the FBI, Mu'ammar al-Qadhdhafi, and rap musicians) he has produced an impressively thorough account. The study usefully covers other NOI branches, including the Lost Found Nation of Islam, the Five Percent Nation of Islam, and the Ansaaru Allah Community. Here's where to find out about the NOI's tentative moves toward mainstream Islam, its connections to American neo-Nazis, and its challenge to the black Christian churches. Gardell's book is highly unusual in one way: although the author has many strange and tendentious ideas (that Reagan planned 'for a war on Libya' in 1986, that Farrakhan is not an anti-Semite, that a mistress of Elijah Muhammad's was his 'Islamic wife,' that the 1992 Rodney King riots were 'the bloodiest uprising of the twentieth century'), he does not slant the evidence but scrupulously offers information that directly disproves his own arguments. Most readers of In the Name of Elijah Muhammad will want to read the study for its facts while keeping a distance from Gardell's conclusions. Middle East Quarterly, March 1997
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Summary: In the Name of Elijah Muhammad
Review: Gardell�s impressive research results in a far richer and more subtle account of the NOI and Farrakhan. Immersing himself in the writings of the movement and in much else related to it (such as its connections to the FBI, Mu�ammar al-Qadhdhafi, and rap musicians) he has produced an impressively thorough account. The study usefully covers other NOI branches, including the Lost Found Nation of Islam, the Five Percent Nation of Islam, and the Ansaaru Allah Community. Here�s where to find out about the NOI�s tentative moves toward mainstream Islam, its connections to American neo-Nazis, and its challenge to the black Christian churches. Gardell�s book is highly unusual in one way: although the author has many strange and tendentious ideas (that Reagan planned �for a war on Libya� in 1986, that Farrakhan is not an anti-Semite, that a mistress of Elijah Muhammad�s was his �Islamic wife,� that the 1992 Rodney King riots were �the bloodiest uprising of the twentieth century�), he does not slant the evidence but scrupulously offers information that directly disproves his own arguments. Most readers of In the Name of Elijah Muhammad will want to read the study for its facts while keeping a distance from Gardell�s conclusions. Middle East Quarterly, March 1997
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Summary: The Finest Book on NOI
Review: I used this book in a course at Indiana University about the Nation. It was by far the most broad and non-politicised of our texts. It does not represent the Nation as "orthododox" Muslims in any way, but it does not negate their significance to the history of Islam in N America. I thought Garadell did a great job. Full of sources and notes. Of course he couldnot cover it all, but all around a good read. Especially with regaurd to Farrakhan.
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Summary: Biased-Doesn't get facts straight
Review: I was rather appalled at how an obviously intelligent man could get basic facts mixed up. The author has some selective problems with reading comprehension and misquotes some of the literature of NOI. I used to live near the NOI headquarters in Chicago(I was a student at U of Chicago) and am in no way affiliated withthe NOI(i.e. I'm white)-I've read a couple of there books and this author simply couldn't accurately represent their position. I can't help but wonder what other errors there were lurking in here. Frankly, whoever was this guy's Ph.D. advisor ought to be ashamed of themselves.
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Summary: The best book yet, on the Nation of Islam.
Review: It is obvious after reading this book that the author has not even heard Farrakhan speak or at least did not listen with an open mind. I doubt that the author has even been to the mosque to hear any of the ministers. If you have an opinion on the Nation of Islam, it is better to hear a speech first hand or talk directly to a member. Save your money by not buying this book.
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