The ninth edition of this widely acclaimed text has been extensively revised to reflect the latest scholarship and the most recent events in the Middle East. As an introduction to the history of this turbulent region from the beginnings of Islam to the present day, the book is distinguished by its clear style, broad scope, and balanced treatment. It focuses on the evolution of Islamic institutions and culture, the influence of the West, the modernization efforts of Middle Eastern governments, the struggle of various peoples for political independence, the course of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the reassertion of Islamic values and power, the issues surrounding the Palestinian Question, and the roles of Iraq and Iran in the post-9/11 Middle East.
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"This is a typical and concise history of Middle East. It begins from Prophet Muhammad until the very modern events in the region. The book has approached middle east from an academic view point without any biases. It is a very good book for the beginners in the topic" — Dana (4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a typical and concise history of Middle East. It begins from Prophet Muhammad until the very modern events in the region. The book has approached middle east from an academic view point without any biases. It is a very good book for the beginners in the topic"
“This review and update of A Concise History of the Middle East makes it once again the premier text for the study of the Middle East. Goldschmidt and Davidson’s well-written and solidly argued analyses of the most important and crucial developments of Middle Eastern history and politics…could not be timelier…It will be a favorite of students and professors alike.”
“This is a text that breathes life into the history it presents…The authors are not afraid to spell out [complexities] in a style that is at once accessible and gently provocative. This is a text with personality.”
“As someone who has encountered the run of good, fair and middling texts on the Middle East, I can only offer unmixed praise for the new edition of A Concise History of the Middle East…Their narrative…is sparklingly clear and straightforward for even the ‘general reader’. They meticulously avoid bias, especially when they explore the tumultuous factors of modernization and westernization in battle against residual forces of ethno-cultural traditionalism. Throughout their remarkable text, they balance a clear treatment of politics and diplomacy, familiar from earlier generations of scholarship with insights into the region’s historically evolving norms of society and culture.”
“Our students and faculty alike have found this to be a well-organized, comprehensive, balanced, and exceptionally readable textbook. The authors blend significant historical detail with timely political analysis in a cogent style that is compelling and lucid.”
" I probably read the 90's edition "
" This book helped me to understand the conflicts, contributions, and history of the Middle East in a very tangible way. I would recommend this book for historians or those interested in the roots of today's major current events. "
" Great... Until 9/10ths trhough the book history shifted to political commentary. "
" It was interesting enough. Not dry, but not entirely engaging, either. I really enjoyed the class, and what it comes down to is that the if history is your thing, then the material stands on its own and keeps you reading. "
" I know it's a textbook, but if you want a (relatively) quick rundown of the Middle East, this is a good place to start. "
" Assigned as a textbook for a college course, but the style of the thing was a very pleasant surprise. I was expecting the dry prose common to history texts, what I got was more along the lines of Tolkien's Silmarillion. "
" Fair, scholarly and illuminating. "
" Good until it reaches the 20th century and gets bogged down in minutia and flaccid "objectivity." Best parts on on the rise of Islam. "
" Fascinating!! And well-written. Thanks Ehrman! "
" Great until the last few chapters when it becomes too anti-Israel. "
" Wherein we learn that the Middle East ought more aptly to be called Southwest Asia. "
" Well-written! Fascinating book and a great source on Islamic history and Middle Eastern history. "
" First 3/4 of the book are only interesting if you like the history of Islam or medieval history. Best part was it's coverage of 19th and 20th century history in the region. Unfortunately did not cover the Arab Spring of 2011. "
" Excellent history of the Middle East. But it is very long; good as an audiobook. It really makes you see things from the non-American side. "
" Are you looking for an introductory text about the subject that isn't too text book(y)? Is that something you might be interested in? "
Arthur Goldschmidt Jr. is professor emeritus of Middle Eastern history at Pennsylvania State University. He is the author of Modern Egypt: Foundation of a Nation-State and the recipient of the Amoco Foundation Award for Outstanding Teaching and the 2000 Middle East Studies Association Mentoring Award.
Lawrence Davidson is a professor of history at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. He is the author ofAmerica’s Palestine: Popular and Official Perceptions from Balfour to Israeli Statehood, Foreign Policy, Inc.: Privatizing America’s National Interest, and coauthor of A Concise History of the Middle East.
Tom Weiner, a dialogue director and voice artist best known for his roles in video games and television shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Transformers, is the winner of eight Earphones Awards and Audie Award finalist. He is a former member of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
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