In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, no one influenced British and American attitudes toward Islam more than Humphrey Prideaux. In 1697, this Anglican theologian published his seminal book on the topic, The True Nature of Imposture Fully Display’d in the Life of Mahomet . The book’s popularity led to eight editions in 25 years with copies finding their way to the American colonies as early as 1746. 3 Although the volume’s central thesis—that a self-serving Muhammad intentionally deceived his followers by masquerading as a prophet—had long existed in Europe, his work made the allegation commonplace.

Builds on: "Americans relied on British advisors for views of Islam."

Carl W. Ernst, Islamophobia in America_ Th…, loc. 104