The History of the Assassins, Derived from Oriental Sources

A vivid portrait unfolds of a secretive medieval order that rose from the Ismaili branch of Islam and came to wield fearsome influence across the Middle East. Drawing on Persian, Arabic, and Turkish chronicles, the work traces the movement’s founding principles, its charismatic leader’s teachings, and the network of mountain fortresses that nurtured its covert operations. The translator’s careful notes help modern ears navigate unfamiliar names, while the introductory essay situates the group within the broader sweep of Islamic history.

Beyond the dramatic tales of daring infiltrations and political intrigue, the narrative examines how the Assassins’ disciplined loyalty and unconventional tactics unsettled the great powers of their day. Readers are invited to glimpse the cultural and spiritual currents that shaped the order, gaining insight into a phenomenon that rattled empires for three centuries before its eventual decline. This scholarly yet accessible account brings a once‑obscure chapter of world history to life for today’s listeners.