Reviews (5)

EXTREMELY PLEASANT PICTURE BOOK
I will not add too much to what the other reviewers have opined on this magnificent book.It is gorgeously illustrated with superior photographs and interesting drawings and geographical overviews. i drool whenever i look at this book
i don't have this book yet. i have already told hubby that he's getting it for me for valentines. everytime i go into the bookstore, i take it off the shelf and spend about a half hour just leafing through it and looking at the pictures. if you are not sure whether you want to put out the money to buy this book, do yourself a favor and see if they have a copy at the bookstore and look through it. i know you'll be convinced that it's worth the price. i plan on ordering my book rather than buying it off the shelf. there are several fold out sections in the book and i want to make sure they are in good shape. the pictures of the temples and tombs in the book are great. also lots of maps. i admit, i'm an egyptology geek, but i think anyone who is interested in egypt will enjoy this book. if egypt is a hobby/passion, this book is a must have. i know it's a bit pricey, but you're payig for a book full of fantastic color photographs and you defintiely get what you are playing for. you get your money's worth with this book. my only regret is that i have to wait 6 weeks til i can have my copy in my hot lil' hands. :)

Splendid book on Egypt's splendors
I first saw this book after a four-week trip to Egypt, where our travels included as much as we could see between the relocated monument Ramses II built in honor of himself at Abu Simbel to the vicinity of El-Qahira (Cairo) and its monuments and museums. This book is the one I have chosen to "keep my memories fresh" and share them with others- it is that good, and more. The illustrations are brilliant; the informative text is thorough and illuminating without being pedantic or burying the photos and drawings. I only wish the Cairo Museum had books as good as this one! If you love Egypt, this book will live an active life on your coffee table. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - Egypt    2. Ancient Egypt - History    3. Antiquities    4. Archaeology / Anthropology    5. Civilization    6. Egypt    7. Middle East - Egypt    8. Pictorial works    9. Subjects & Themes - Travel - World/Africa    10. To 332 B.C    11. Travel    12. African history: BCE to c 500 CE    13. Ancient World    14. Photographs: collections   

Reviews (24)

The Best Book About Today's Israelis
A student gave me this book. Now I assign The Israelis in my university sociology class and students -- Jews, Christians, Muslims and Buddhists -- love it. It's lively, balanced and fascinating. The best book about contemporary Israelis I know.
Six Stars
What a lovely book! On returning from my first trip to Israel not long ago, friends and colleagues were stunned at how totally I -- a liberal secular non-Jew -- had fallen for Israel, and especially for the Israeli people. No doubt I sounded goofily infatuated trying to explain the resilience, toughness, crusty directness, the kindness, the wit, the incredible Israeli smile -- see, there I go again.
An excellent book on the lives of modern Israelis of all kinds.
I first read The Israelis about a year ago, and I enjoyed it very much.With the recent events in and around the country (the Hamas election victory, Ariel Sharon's new political party, his incapacitation) I decided to read it again.I started by looking up a few facts for a discussion group, and became so involved that I read the book a second time from cover to cover.I've discussed the book with friends from Israel, and all but one of them feel that it is an accurate view of modern life.The one person who didn't agree said it was "skewed," with not enough weight given to the various Orthodox communities and beliefs (she is Orthodox).The impression I had of her comments, though, were that she wasn't unhappy with the boook per se, but rather with the current path being taken by Israelis, and that this boook is promoting this path.My feeling was that it wasn't promoting, just reporting it as accurately as possible.
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Subjects:  1. Ethnic Studies - General    2. General    3. Jewish Studies    4. Middle East - Israel    5. Political Science    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Sociology    8. Asian / Middle Eastern history    9. Current Events / General    10. Israel    11. Social history   

Reviews (10)

Almost the Perfect Reference
I will not spend a lot of time writing about how valuable a reference this is - the other reviewers on this site have already more than done it justice.Aside from the relative lack of material on early Zionism (also pointed out by one of the other reviewers), this book has most if not all of the relevant documents.I have only one major criticism (the reason I gave the book four stars instead of 5): the almost complete lack of information about the original sources.Apart from a one-liner preceding each document, no information is given regarding 1) the citation of the original work, including page numbers, where appropriate; 2) the language in which the original work was written; 3) if the work was not written in English, credit for the translation, the date thereof, etc.While these may not be of interest to the casual reader, to anyone doing research in the field, if only for a college paper, these details are critical.Furthermore, in an area as controversial as the Arab-Israeli conflict, the ability to trace documents back to the original and verify translations is everything.

Every UN Document
What else can be said about a book that contains every UN and League of Nations document about the Israel-Palestine conflict?It is a necessity as a reference for those engaged and a great book to learn about the conflict and its basic political evolution.

A book worthy of being called objective
If one is a previously biased reader, this book will doubtlessly contain some documents that are upsetting to read on grounds of including inciteful material. However, the only real criticism that I have is that the 3rd edition has several documents that are of interest to those seeking to research the early Mandatory period, such as documents by Ze'ev Jabotinsky, the Revisionist Zionist and ideological founder of the Irgun Zvai Leumi. It is understanable though, that as future editions come out the length could get phrohibitively long without pruning some data. As a basic and intermediate level documentary text it is one of the best I have come across. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1917-1948    2. Arab-Israeli conflict    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. History    6. History - General History    7. International Relations - General    8. Jewish-Arab relations    9. Middle East - General    10. Political    11. Sources    12. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    13. History / Middle East    14. Middle East   

Reviews (18)

Complete reference work on Middle Eastern history
At more than 500 pages, this textbook is not exactly "concise," as might be expected given the panoramic scope of its topic. Arthur Goldschmidt Jr. and Lawrence Davidson ambitiously try to explain the factors driving Islamic culture and its influence on Western civilization, right down to the glossary and chronology. Their main focus is the impact of Islam on Arab history. Once they reach modern times, the authors' strong views shape their explanations, sometimes pushing the book toward commentary rather than history. Some readers may find that their interpretations can be partisan (anti-Bush, pro-Palestinian, accusing the U.S. of terrorism), but such continuing controversies are inherent in Middle East history. As the authors correctly point out, today's society offers no solutions to many of these critical issues, most of which have festered for centuries. To draw the most from its strengths, we recommend this major sourcebook primarily to those who are interested in premodern Middle East history.

Not bad when they report on history, but...
Not bad when they report on history, but their disdain for President Bush (and idolization of President Clinton) causes their treatment of the current Middle East turmoil to suffer from partisanship.
The title for this book is highly inaccurate
This should be retitled "The Leftist, Israel-Hating, Politically Correct Revisionist Guide to the Middle East." That would be far more accurate. For a textbook, the author freelances just a tad bit too much, a lot of what is in here is presented as fact but is mostly opinion in disguise.The author fails in presenting a clear and unbiased view of the Middle East and instead allows his personal politics to get in the way.
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Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. History: World    4. Middle East - General    5. Middle East - History    6. Asian / Middle Eastern history    7. Middle East   

Reviews (22)

Truth Be Told
America believes in Ahab the Arab, but this book shows why we're so hated in the Middle East. The imperialists dismantled the Islamic World in order to maintain their grip over oil, with America continuing this policy. Read and weap.

Avid Reader re the Middle East
The book reflects what I consider a pretty honest appraisal of the truth regarding the Palestinian situation. The author states salient comments not heard in any of the media.It highlights the deplorable actions by the U.S. in mediating the situation. My opinion is that the book is very insightful and the facts are well presented.
Polemic instead of history
Long ago academic historians were supposed to be objective, but rigorous methodology and balanced analysis apparently have been abandoned to partisanship and show-boating. Certainly rigor and fairness seem to be forgotten in this slanted account of Middle Eastern history. Khalidi is not a bad writer, but he is not a good historian in my humble opinion. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arab-Israeli conflict    2. Democracy    3. Foreign relations    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: World    7. International Relations - General    8. Middle East    9. Middle East - General    10. Political Freedom & Security - General    11. U.S. - Middle East Relations    12. United States    13. History / Middle East   

Reviews (62)

The limit of human endurance...
Imagine driving two hundred miles, a long boring journey no doubt. Seems like ages...
comparison
this is a fantastic book.the SAS are phenominal.this mission was flawed, and this book is a testiment to the hardcore training and personnel of the SAS.however, to address another reviewer's comments, i fully disagree with the assessement that the SAS are vastly superior to Delta Force.firstly, for a number of years ive had close affiliations with the special operations world, and personally know a great number of both Delta operators and SAS soldiers and have conversed with them greatly on training, tactics, and so forth.no arguement that both are superior to the SEALs, who have always been overrated and hollywood.but the fact is, it is a complete and utter fallacy to state that Delta dont have the training to survive the way this SAS team did.thats absurd.first, delta's founder, charlie beckwith, a green beret who spent time with the SAS, used the SAS unit structure and training criteria as a template for Delta.second, Delta and the SAS are two of the most closely aligned units in the world, with frequent exchanges, putting Delta operators through SAS training and vice versa, as well as executing missions together from time to time.bottom line, Delta is the US military's MOST elite, MOST well trained, and MOST combat experienced unit of the last 25 years.Delta operators and SAS soldiers dont bother with the comparison themselves, because they're of the same caliber and embrace each other.further, the reason Delta has never done what mcnab's team did is because they've never been in the situation, which by the way was caused by MISTAKES.now im not bashing the SAS, even the most elite units make mistakes, Delta has as well.ultimately, these men survived through a undominable will, and escape, evasion and survival tactics, and to assume that Delta does not have this training is ludicrous, not to mention wholly untrue.

good book
i think this book is very good.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1961-    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Europe - Great Britain - General    6. Great Britain    7. Military    8. Military - Persian Gulf War    9. Military History - Persian Gulf War    10. Military Personal Narratives    11. Persian Gulf War, 1991    12. Personal narratives    13. Personal narratives, British    14. Ryan, Chris,    15. Biography: historical    16. History    17. History / Military / General    18. Middle East    19. Ryan, Chris    20. Warfare & Defence   

Editorial Review

Bruce Feiler's latest book combines now familiar elements into his own peculiar, delightful alchemy.Any particular page may be found effortlessly weaving together strands of theology, biblical exegesis, physical exploration, history and personal reflection as Feiler continues his journey of discovery, looking at the common roots of Christianity, Islam and Judaism.The Middle East has become a more dangerous place since the writing of his first book in this vein, Read more

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Reviews (18)

Illuminating History
Enlarged my understanding of Biblical history and provided background for todays problems in that part of the country. Everyone needs to read.

Sign of our times
Today, our culture scoffs at believing the Bible, as a result it is not at all fashionable to actually read it. So, unsurprisingly, it is a sign of our times that this book's many mistakes would go unnoticed by the vast majority.
Traveling Thru Time
I thoroughly enjoy reading Bruce Feiler's journeys in the Bible lands and his insights.It doesn't matter that he is Jewish and I am a Christian.I learn so much about the Old Testament it makes me want to research the Bible further and gain my own perspective using this book as a useful tool.
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Subjects:  1. Arab-Israeli conflict    2. Bible    3. Description And Travel    4. General    5. History    6. Iran    7. Iraq    8. Old Testament    9. Palestine    10. Religion    11. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    12. Religion / Bible / General    13. Bargain   

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• Box set

Subjects:  1. 1969-    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Comic books, strips, etc    6. Fine Arts    7. Iran - History    8. Satrapi, Marjane,    9. Women    10. Biography & Autobiography / Women   

Reviews (7)

Very good book
Hassan Abbas has written this book in a interesting way such that it is fun to read. However, the intended audience of this book is mostly the American scholars/students as they will find this book somewhat along the lines of what they hear on TV but not too radical, however there are other realities which are not mentioned in this book which are extremely important. It does provide a good picture of politics in Pakistan but not the complete picture.
Very relevant to what's happening today in South Asia/Pakistan
Very intriguing and bold work - exposes how religious bigots and fundamentalists have entrenched themselves in Pakistan. It doesn't spare anyone - Pakistan army and its intelligence, American foreign policy blunders, Indian intransigence and failure of Pakistan's political elite - a very balanced treatment. I read the book as a required text for a course on South Asia and conflict resolution and its best part is that its written in a story like fashion, so its actually fun to read the book.

Informative but slightly tilted
This novel is basically written as two different nonfictional thrillers in one. The first is the historical upbringing of a young nation and the events that led to the aggressions between Pakistan and India. In my opinion this part of the book is nicely written and is more of a historical outline rather than an opinionated article, even though the authors do put some witty comments explaining these past events. The second part of the novel is a little more opinionated, explaining the current drift of Pakistan with religious factors involved. This part of the book seems a bit one sided and doesn't put all the perspectives on the table. I have lived in Pakistan and the religious extremism is defiantly does not represent the majority of the country. This is a good reference book to read in order to understand the current situation with Pakistan and the American so called War on Terrorism but is defiantly not the only source on should use to understand such a deep topic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    2. Political Process - General    3. Political Science    4. Politics / Current Events    5. Politics/International Relations   

Reviews (79)

The Finest On This Issue
Incredible.This is a blessed work, an amazing work of scholarship.Courses could be taught on this book alone.Ms. Peters research and attention to detail are breathtaking.To anylaze the amount of records, maps, charts, books, notes and interviews she did was a feat in itself.But to understand it and to communicate it to readers is equally immpressive.The, 'notes' section of the book took up 120 pages alone!The Bibliography 12 more pages.
Thoroughly 'debunked' already
The first hint that this book is not an academic work of history is that the advance copies given to US reviewers were distributed to intellectual celebrities (writers such as Saul Bellow and Elie Wiesel, both of whom are quoted on the original hardback) rather than to major historians specializing in the region.When the book was released in Britain, however, the late Albert Hourani of Oxford University, probably the foremost expert on modern Arab history, published a review.I quote from his conclusion:
This book has been shown to be a hoax, repeatedly.
I am Jewish and this book is utter nonsense.Time and time again, scholar after scholar, it has been proven beyond a doubt that this book is a giant lie, a fabrication.Frankly, this book actually damages the worldwide perception of Jews.So full of holes, this book gives easy ammunition to the anti-Semites of the world.My Jewish brothers and sisters have to realize that it's high time they be honest about the land grab of '48, they are no longer fooling anyone.
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Subjects:  1. 1917-1949    2. Arab countries    3. Emigration & Immigration    4. History    5. History & Theory - General    6. International Relations - General    7. Jewish-Arab relations    8. Jews    9. Middle East - General    10. Palestinian Arabs    11. Politics / Current Events    12. Politics/International Relations   

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Reviews (77)

Interesting facts
Interesting facts about the pre -occupation erra, also check 'Arab Voices Speak to American Hearts' by Samar Dahmash Jarrah a few weeks ago and I was facscinated by the facts that I read from ordinary Arab citizens. As an American it made me change the way I view Arabs (Muslims and Christians) in the Middle East and it also made me understand more about our foreign policy and Middle East politics.
Not for the "Bush Lied" crowd.
A credible first hand account of Saddam's regime. Full of irrefutable facts, it proves beyond any shadow of doubt the existence of WMDs in Saddam's arsenal. After reading this book you will question the sanity of those who try to deny facts at all costs, even at the cost of the defense of this nation. Perhaps this highest ranking air marshall of Iraq's military should not be believed just becuase he is a Christian? Dont read it if you don't want to get angry at our suicidal politicians and their cohorts.

In Saddam's Iraq 2+2 was 9, or whatever subordinates thought Saddam wanted to think it was.
Regarding Iraq: "[I]t is incontestable that on the day I left office there were unaccounted-for-stocks of biological and chemical weapons." So said Bill Clinton in July of 2003 (on CNN). Why weren't they found then? Iraqi General Georges Sada offers an explannation in this book of his. On June 4, 2002, a three-mile-long irrigation dam collapsed n Syria. "Flood waters covered an area of nearly forty square miles." When "Syrian president Bashar al-Assad asked for help from Jordan and Iraq, Saddam knew what he would do. For him, the disaster in Syria was a gift, and there, posing as shipments of supplies and equipment sent from Iraq to aid the relief effort, were Iraq's WMDs. Weapons and equipment were transferred both by land and air." Of the latter, General Sada, former air vice marshall in Saddam Hussein's military, says there were 56 flights of commercial Iraqi passenger aircraft from Iraq to Syria. They were "quickly reconfigured" "transforming the passenger planes into cargo planes" that were then used to transport "hundreds of tons of chemicals, armaments, and other paraphernalia into Syria under the cover of a mission of mercy to help a stricken nation." General Sada says the Syrian through whom the above was coordinated was General Abu Ali, a cousin of Bashar al-Assad. "For once in the long history of belligerence between Iraq and Syria, there was complete agreement between them." "They arranged for the operation to be conducted like a regular business deal, & everything was paid for, up-front and in cash." Sada knew Saddam; was brought out of retirement by Saddam after the Kuwaiti War. (A war during which Sada, albeit briefly, was arrested after refusing an order by Saddam's son Qusay.) Sada was regularly consulted thereafter. Sada remarks herein too how "Saddam had spread the idea that we didn't have to worry because nobody was going to attack us." Sada "had heard him say it many times." Sada telling Tariq Aziz (from London, where Sada had been sent as an emissary of Iraq) that the UK was going to hit Iraq, thus fell on deaf ears. Sada once also cautioned Saddam that trying to launch an air attack against an American aircraft carrier was hopeless. Moreover, Saddam wasn't aware of the capabiltities of cruise missiles until after Baghdad was struck by them during the 1991 Gulf War; having asked his air force commander: "tell me how it's possible that we were struck so hard without warnings of any kind. The air-raid sirens didn't even go off. How could his happen?" Saddam, of course, wasn't running a government, but a big crime family, a regime, in Sada's words, "not built on the basis of skill and efficiency," but "on the basis of blind loyalty to Saddam" wherein 2+2 was 9, or whatever subordinates thought Saddam wanted to think it was. Sada, by his own admission, however, "had a bad habit of saying that 2 plus 2 is four." Sada thinks he was able to get away with divulging unpleasant realities to Saddam owing to the fact that Sada was not a Muslim.As an Assyrian Christian Sada could never be a power broker, or threat. Sada also details how Saddam was not at all hurt by sanctions; nor his loyalists, thanks to "the gift of the president," a bonus progam of Saddam's paid to Baathist Party members (4-5 million folks). Where did Saddam get the cash to buy this loyalty? Oil sales. The full story: US naval forces in the Gulf, to police Iraqi sanctions against smuggling would test oil cargo to see if it betrayed the tell-tale properties that would suggest if it was Iraqi in origin. But what "the specialists & other officials didn't realize was that Iraqi smugglers had made a deal with Iranian smugglers." Contraband Iraqi oil thus was smuggled to Iran in exchange for the Iranian variety, which was then exported. Plus, "Saddam's agents were selling oil to Iran at very low prices, & Iran was shipping the same oil in the same ships from their ports, but under the Iranian flag" (to pass unmolested through the Gulf). An interesting book. (06Aug) Cheers ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1979-1991    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Generals    7. History    8. Inspirational    9. Inspirational - General    10. Iraq    11. Military    12. Political    13. Religious    14. Sada, Georges    15. 1991-2003    16. Biography & Autobiography / Religious    17. Biography & Autobiography/Military    18. Biography & Autobiography/Political    19. Cultural Region/Middle East    20. Hussein, Saddam    21. Inspiration/Motivational/Biography & Autobiography    22. Religious Orientation/Christian    23. Bargain   

Reviews (64)

Important and sheds light on problems in history
It is very important to have a book detaling the crusades from the arab or muslim point of view.But is also sheds sometime on the entire problem with the crusades and all clashes between Islam and CHristendom.From Lepanto to the Johad that almost took Paris to the siege of vienna, to the Ottoman colonization of Europe or te European clonization of Africa to the Muslim slave trade in Africa there are rarely if ever books using Arabic sources.This is not because they do not exist, it is because Western authors choose to use thier own slef hating hyperbole rather than read what actually happaned.Most books on the crusade in fact tell most of the story from the arabic point of view but dont use Arabic sources, they simply decided as post modern authors that the crusades are 'bad' and therefore they must be judged as such.Little attempt is made ever to understand the motives of the crusaders, or their humanity, or the fact tha they were doing nothing different to Muslims that had been done t Christians since 632 AD.Instead authors have decided that while Saladin remains 'pure and honorable' a trait he was given by crusader writers, the crusaders are 'currupt' and 'immoral' and 'savage' and that they are only in the deed for money.
Cruise aid through history
I will not lie to you. At times this is a boring book. Yet you are not allowed to have a strong opinion on what goes on in the Middle East these days, or claim an understanding of what this jihad, the holy war, is, unless you've read this book. Or any other book that tells the same tale. I think you'll have a hard time finding one that does so.
Nice balance to the West's version of the Crusades
I am generally impressed with this book on the crusades, an oft looked over point of view, even though they were the other half of the conflict.Understanding how the emirs functioned not only in normal society, but in war as well as succession issues sheds a lot of light on how the crusades happened and why the Franj were successful.
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Subjects:  1. 750-1258    2. Crusades    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. Islamic Empire    7. Medieval    8. Middle East - General    9. World - General    10. History / Middle East   

Reviews (23)

Couldn't put it down
Amazing story, beautifully written.It has all the elements of an exciting novel, and it is true, which makes it even more awesome.

loss...
A Persian friend gave me this book. I couldn't put it down, so poetic and real. As we live in times of war and devastation, this book reminds us of the power of ideologies and politics.
A real eyeopener
Reading Roya's accounting of her ordeal gives one a profound feeling of the reality of the time.It is amazing that Roya's experience had such an effect on her that the details still remain intact for her reproduce such an amazing book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Ethnic Cultures - General    5. General    6. History Of Women (General)    7. Iran - History    8. Judaism - General    9. Middle East - Iran    10. Women    11. Women's Studies - General    12. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    13. Biography & Autobiography / General    14. Biography: general    15. Iran    16. Revolutions & coups    17. c 1980 to c 1990   

Reviews (8)

Remembering The Persian Empire
The book is an excellent introduction to the Persian Empire; the world's first true empire. From developing new forms of political administration, building roads that would inspire Rome, fromulating monotheism and fostering cultural tolerance, the Persians were innovators in every sense of the word. Sadly this world is all too often forgotten or only mentioned in passing. This is an excellent beginning for anyone interested in the history of Iran, whose people trace their roots- both ethnically and culturally- to the world of ancient Persia.

forgotten empire
The exhibition was absolutely wonderful with material from Louvre,British Museum,National Museum of Iran,my eyes were filled with tears as soon I walked into the exhibition rooms and I rememberedmy first visit to Persepolis(Parse) as a child.Cyrus the Great laid the foundation for an Empire based on tolerance for other cultures and traditions and the Great king and Persians demonstrated their desire for other nations to maintain their own ethnocultural traditions.I recommend this book specially to readers who wish to get the correct information contray to the repeated Macedonian propaganda and I hope this book will be available in Persian language for that group of my compatriot who have forgotten their glorious past.The name of the book describes my point of view.

excellent work
I loved the book. There are hundreds of excellent quality photos, lots of descriptions, wonderful articles, and useful maps to help understanding the old Persia. It covers every aspect of life in ancient Persia: the government, the financial system and daily life. I have watched the photos every day and still want to watch them more. Articles are academically sound, easy to read and the book is well structured.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Civilization    3. General    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: World    7. Middle East - General    8. History / Ancient / General   

Reviews (3)

Outstanding Book -Dont miss it
This is an outstanding book, with plenty of pictures - great insider material on furniture and architecture.And I already have a design MA with my own firm.

Underwhelming and overpriced
The text of this volume is decent and well organized but in the area that most designers are interested in, visual examples, it is sorely lacking. A very minimal section of color photographs (which jump from Roman to the Renaissance. No sign of the Gothic)and a series of low contrast black and white ones are augmented with a series of uninspired drawings. All of this might still be helpful and useful were it not for the price. There are many volumes on furniture and decor that have come on the market recently which are superior in their content and priced more reasonably.

Better for furniture/antiques dealers than designers
This book is a good encyclopedia of the history of interior design going back to ancient era- it catalogues the general overview for each period chronologically, explaining the function and materiality of a space or piece of furniture.The book is particularly nice for classifying particular styles of furniture and may be more suited to an antiques dealer or furniture dealer than a professional interior designer.The major problem i have with the book is that most if not all of the photographs are black and white, and it completely skips the modern era of design, pretty much ending with the turn of the 19th century.No mention of my favorites like Mies van der Rohe or Mr. Wright.This absence somehow makes this book seem incomplete. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decoration & Ornament    3. Furniture design    4. History    5. History - General    6. Interior Design - General    7. Interior architecture    8. Interior decoration    9. Architecture / Interior Design   

Reviews (7)

Nuanced look at militant Islam
Fawaz Gerges gives an intimate and nuanced look what constitutes as a Jihadist in today's post 9/11 world in this very anecdotal book.Gerges interviews a diverse cast of self proclaimed Jihadists from across the Arab world and mixes in a few personal tales from his childhood days in war torn Lebanon.As a result this book is relatively easy to read, flows well and is not as dry as other books on this subject that I've read.
good insights
I've just started this and I am enjoying it.
A much needed historical perspective!
Dr. Gerges book gives us a rare historical account of the rise of Islamic fundamentalism through the spoken words and writings of fundamentalists themselves and how it relates to US policies in the region.It is a book that is scholarly, personal and very readable! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Islam    3. Islam - General    4. Islamic Studies    5. Islamic fundamentalism    6. Jihad    7. Middle East - General    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    10. Political Ideologies - General    11. Political Science    12. Political Terrorism    13. Politics/International Relations    14. Religious aspects    15. Sociology    16. Terrorism    17. Religion / Islam   

Reviews (3)

An excellent book about Zionism
What is modern Zionism?Is it Jewish nationalism?Is it simply an ideology of human rights for everyone, including Jews?These are questions that I hoped would be answered (and are answered) in a book that contains articles written from 1843 to 1948 by about three dozen leading Zionists.
splendid compelation
the a hundred page introduction of this work is absolutely essential for people of every ilk who want to undertand the whole zionist idealogy in one fine, easy-read scoop. the rest of this work is a presentation of every important leader of zionism in the course of 19th and 20th centuries with a short description of the writers life, endeavors, and accomplishments in the beginning of every excerpt. Richard A. Macales, columnist, "Mac's Facts"
If you are proud of the role that Orthodox Jews have played in developing the modern Zionist movement, you will love this reader compiled more than 35 years ago (and back in print). Orthodox rabbis and Zionist leadersYehuda Alkalai, Zvi Hirsch Kalischer, Yechiel Michel Pines, Meir Bar-Ilan,Shmuel Chaim Landau, Samuel Mohilever, Avraham Yitzhak HaCohen Kook andIsaac Reines take up a disproportionate amount of space in Hertzberg's richwork. And for good measure you will find the writings of Ben-Gurion andJabotinsky. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History Of Zionist Movement    3. Jewish - General    4. Judaism - Theology    5. Politics/International Relations    6. Religion - Judaism    7. Sources    8. Zionism    9. History of specific racial & ethnic groups    10. Israel    11. Jewish studies    12. Nationalism    13. Social history   

Reviews (6)

GONNA DEPLOY? BUY THIS BOOK.
This is a great book to get your feet wet. It introdues this historical characters both current players and past. Given this context it is a great spring board for other texts into researching the Middle East and interesting religious, cultural and political concepts in the Middle East.