What is veiling?

In this academic but accessible work, University of Sydney Arabic and Islamic studies professor Sahar Amer seeks to ''offer an overview and an appreciation of the complex history and meanings of ''Muslim veiling'' , one of the ''most visible signs of Islam'' but also its ''most debated and least understood practice''.

She explains how veiling existed long before Islam took up the practice in the 7th century, examines the political, social and cultural contexts, the intensity of the emotions around it, and considers the roles of oppression versus choice.

As well as educating others, she seeks to ''give voice to veiled women''.

Essential reading for those keen to get past the stereotypes exemplified in the quote that prefaces the book, from a work by Ayesha Mattu and Nura Maznavi: ''Everyone seems to have an opinion about Muslim women, even those - especially those - who have never met one.''