The Maturing of Medieval Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies

Abstract

L et me begin by expressing my profound gratitude to the officers of Middle East Medievalists for honoring me with MEM’s Lifetime Achievement Award. It is indeed a great honor to be so recognized by my esteemed colleagues—even though such an honor is a kind of double-edged sword. On the one hand, the recognition is a source of deep satisfaction; on the other, it reaffirms the sobering reality that one is nearing the end of one’s game. But, since turning the award down would not change the reality of age attained, I am most pleased and honored to accept it. Thank you all very much.