Explore the captivating intellectual journey of Mikha’il Mishaqa, a pivotal figure in the origins of the modern Middle East. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century upheaval, ‘Prophet of Reason’ by Peter Hill chronicles Mishaqa’s transformation from traditional faith to embracing scientific Enlightenment and radical ideas. Witness his personal evolution through civil war and religious conflict, culminating in a dramatic escape from a sectarian massacre. This compelling biography delves into the paradox of how rational secularism and religious extremism coexisted. Discover the complex beliefs and societal shifts in a region where empires clashed and faiths intertwined. A must-read for understanding the Middle East’s intellectual history and the birth of its modern identity, available at The Bookish Owl.