Reviews - THE MOORS

‘A fascinating slice of history. Channel 4 resident historian Bettany Hughes starts at the top …with a story that certainly bears retelling, which Hughes does with her customary enthusiasm and clarity.’

Pick of the Day – The Telegraph 5/11/05

‘This ambitious programme marks a turning point for TV historian Bettany Hughes. In telling the story of the rise and fall of Islam in the West, she accuses Spain of systematically writing out its Muslim past…where this programme excels is in weaving a complex tapestry that explains the messy relationship between Islamic and Catholic Spain.’

Programme of the Day – The Sunday Telegraph – 30/10/05

‘This fascinating programme was brilliantly presented by a most fetching presenter, who offered much information…..helps Channel Four to atone a little for Big Brother’

‘Bettany Hughes visits Andalusia for a thought-provoking examination of the impact of the north African invaders who reigned in Spain. Fresh from her Helen of Troy quest Hughes now explores other fabulous places…her mission is successfully achieved. A good historian can often read between the lines…Hughes proves her worth - she is a persuasive communicator and her script is polished and cogent.’

Pick of the Day - The Sunday Times – 31/10/05

‘Channel 4 can usually be relied upon to serve up a good, big documentary - When The Moors Ruled in Europe certainly doesn’t disappoint. Bettany Hughes’ account of Moorish Spain is a real eye-opener, packed with fascinating material, lucidly presented and – like last week’s Paradise Found – full of beautiful sights.’

Nigel Andrew’s View – Comment on Saturday Night Television in the Weekend Mail

‘Better and more specific, than Five’s enjoyable Andalusia: Legacy of the Moors, this documentary has the same effect of making you want to pack a bag and go and see it all for yourself. Inspiring television’

Pick of the Day - The Observer – 30/11/05

‘ Rome favours entertainment over accuracy…Bettany Hughes’ film about the rise and fall of Islam in Spain…was meticulously researched, informative, scholarly.’

The Guardian Review 7/11/05

‘Photogenic historian, Bettany Hughes is almost visibly indignant at the fact that this story is so little known. As history shows go, this is refreshingly free of gratuitous innovation, with Hughes happy simply to show us the stunning palaces that testify to the greatness of a civilisation’s golden age.’

Must See Programme of the Day –The Mail on Sunday – 30/10/05

‘Historian Bettany Hughes traces the story of the mysterious Moors and reveals that far from being inclined to fundamentalism, they were a progressive and sensuous culture. Not for the first time, it seems history has something to say about contemporary problems.’

Pick of the Day – The Independent – 5/11/05

‘Bettany Hughes presents this long and enthralling history of Islam’s domination in Europe…she unfurls the story with panache, emphasising the debt owed by what fancies itself as western civilisation.’

Watch This – The Guardian – 5/11/05

‘Historian Bettany Hughes tells the remarkable story of the Islamic society that ruled in Spain but has been all but written out of history. Hughes lifts the lid on this colourful yet untrumpeted episode in world history.’

Pick of the Day – The Daily Mail 5/11/05

‘ a pacy, information-packed chronicle of 700 years of little-told European history. This is history with a contemporary twist, which may explain its greater appeal.’

Critic’s Choice – The Financial Times – 5/11/05

‘By tracing the rise and fall of Islam in Europe, Bettany Hughes illustrates how Spain has airbrushed a supremely sophisticated culture out of its history.’

Choice of the day - The Times – 5/11/05

‘Praise Allah, tonight’s two hours on Islam’s influence in Europe doesn’t waste time or resources on dull reconstruction. Historian Bettany Hughes leads us through the Moorish occupation of Spain with a flirtations curl of her lip and sparkle in her eye…her enthusiasm for all things Arabic is contagious. Full of facts and beauty, and we’re not just talking about Hughes herself.’

Terrestrial Choice of the Day – Time Out – 2/11/05

‘There are many fascinating titbits…in this worthy overview.’

Today’s Choices and Highlight of the Week – The Radio Times – 5/11/05

‘History’s sunny delight’

Headline - Pick of the Day - The Evening Standard 4/11/05

Pick of the Day - The Independent on Sunday 30/10/05