THE VEIL

The Veil: Women Writers on Its History, Lore, and Politics
Saudi Aramco World

Heath edits this series of short essays exploring the veil, or the headscarf that many religious women wear, and includes a number not relating to Muslim women at all-pieces that treat veiling among Hasidic women, Amish women and Catholic nuns. For example, Laurene M. LaFontaine's brilliant essay "Out of the Cloister: Unveiling to Better Serve the Gospel" examines the Vatican ii decision that brought nuns out of the habit. Other articles explore the veil historically, looking at its non-Muslim roots and its wide presence across cultures, particularly in ancient India, as well as the poignant struggles faced by many veiled Muslim woman, especially American Muslims. - Asma Hasan, Saudi Aramco World, http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/departments/default.aspx?mode=reading