The Life of the Prophet Muhammad: A Brief History, originally an introduction for The Meaning of the Glorious Quran, is truly a gem of concision. Realistic and nonapologetic, it contains all that is most essential about the mission of the prophet. This biography is eminently suitable as an introduction to the Prophet's life for those wanting a quick look based on the earliest and most authentic Muslim sources. It truly represents what Muslims immediately recall when they think about the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.

Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall (1875-1936) was an English traveler, novelist, polemicist, and educationist who embraced Islam in 1917. His travels throughout the Muslim world formed the basis of several of his novels set in the Middle East and allowed him to become fluent in Arabic, Turkish, and Urdu. After his conversion, he served as the acting imam of the London Mosque (Notting Hill), worked for 15 years with Muslims in the Indian subcontinent as the editor of Islamic Culture. (Hyderabad, Deccan), and served as the Nizam's advisor and publisher. He wrote and published more than 25 books. Among them was his well-known work The Meaning of the Glorious Qur' an Explanatory Translation.