Focuses on the Ash'arites and the classical Ash'arite tradition. This title includes studies on the science of kalam, that present the author's insights on its very nature and essence, followed by a series of detailed analyses of the physics, metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology of the Ash'arite system. 'When we today claim to have some sense of the terminology of early kalam, it is because Richard M. Frank analysed it and taught it to us. His works are fundamental for anyone working with kalam literature. It is fitting that his papers have been collected... this volume is well suited for students of Islamic theology, even the beginners among them.' Journal of Islamic Studies '[These studies] are among the most significant resources for the study and understanding of medieval Islamic theology... Dimitri Gutas is to be congratulated for the entire project.' Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies