Abdul-Ilah Belkeziz's 'East and West, Volume 1: Before Orientalism' delves into the complex historical dynamics of how Islam was conceptualized and represented within Christian religious thought prior to the emergence of modern Orientalism. This foundational study meticulously examines the theological, philosophical, and cultural frameworks through which early Christian thinkers engaged with Islamic civilization and its doctrines. Belkeziz critiques simplistic binary understandings, offering a nuanced perspective on the intellectual encounters and evolving perceptions of the 'other.' It is an essential read for scholars of religious studies, intellectual history, and the history of East-West relations, providing profound insights into the roots of interfaith discourse and the often-misunderstood origins of Western perceptions of Islam.