Christopher Melchert's book 'Ahmad ibn Hanbal' offers a profound academic analysis of one of Islam's most influential and revered figures. This scholarly work delves into the life, teachings, and enduring legacy of Ahmad ibn Hanbal, the founder of the Hanbali school of jurisprudence. Melchert meticulously examines Ibn Hanbal's theological stance, particularly his famous ordeal during the Mihna, where he steadfastly defended the uncreatedness of the Quran against state-sponsored pressures. The book illuminates Ibn Hanbal's role in shaping Sunni orthodoxy and his impact on Islamic thought, jurisprudence, and social movements. It provides invaluable insights into early Abbasid intellectual and political history, making it essential reading for students and scholars of Islamic studies.