A Lengend in the Making: The Evolution of the Conquest Accounts of Al-Andalus

Abstract

Kiley Foster’s paper, A Legend in the Making: The Evolution of the Conquest Accounts of Al-Andalus, on the conquest accounts of Al-Andalus is well constructed, consistently interesting, and unique vis-à-vis the other articles we publish here. It is unique because of its subject and the approach she took in examining it. While Foster provides sufficient historical context to the reader, and a general story, what makes her article interesting is her analysis of the minute details of the primary sources, her placement of those details in historical context, and the way she maps the evolution of accounts of the conquest. While Foster maintains a consistent focus, her article also presents the reader with historiography, context, and a brief introduction to the sources. This is important because most readers have no background in the Muslim conquest of Al-Andalus. This must have taken Ms. Foster an incredible amount of time and shows her command of the methods of history. -Richard Blake Romines