Subjects:  1. 1703 or 4-1792    2. History    3. History: World    4. Islam - History    5. Middle East - General    6. Muòhammad ibn °Abd al-Wahhåab,    7. Saudi Arabia    8. Wahhåabåiyah    9. Area / regional studies    10. Islamic studies   

Subjects:  1. Arabic literature    2. General    3. History and criticism    4. Language    5. Language Arts & Disciplines    6. Literature - Classics / Criticism    7. Middle Eastern    8. Arabian peninsula    9. Arabic    10. Arabic literature--History and criticism    11. Language Arts & Disciplines / General    12. Literature: History & Criticism    13. Saudi Arabia   

Reviews (7)

Classic adventure... and mostly true!
I confess: Richard F Burton is one of my heroes. In part, it's because much of my life has been spent in his traces, from India, through the Middle East, to Baltimore and the Great Plains.
Sir Richard Burton - a man not of his time
Excellent writing about an arduous journey to meccah. While not the first European to enter the holy city, he was the first to pace off dimensions and publish an extensive survey of the area, the city and the muslims' sacred meterorite. Very interesting subject material particularly in the 21st century.

bibliography & note
India:Read more

Subjects:  1. Arabian Peninsula    2. Description and travel    3. Essays & Travelogues    4. History - General History    5. Mecca    6. Mecca (Saudi Arabia)    7. Medina (Saudi Arabia)    8. Middle East - Saudi Arabia    9. Muslim pilgrims and pilgrimage    10. Muslim pilgrims and pilgrimages    11. Saudi Arabia    12. Special Interest - Adventure    13. Travel    14. Classic travel writing    15. Islam    16. Other prose: 19th century    17. Pilgrimage    18. Travel / Adventure   

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. General    3. History - General History    4. History: American    5. Muhammad,    6. Muslims    7. Muòhammad,    8. Prophet,    9. Saudi Arabia    10. d. 632    11. ASIA    12. Asian / Middle Eastern history    13. USA   

Reviews (1)

Literature defines reality
Before moving to Saudi Arabia, I found Women and Words in Saudi Arabia: The Politics of Literary Discourse by Saddeka Arebi.I eagerly devoured the substantial text, believing the book would give me a context where I could situate myself as I settled into my new environment.I also hoped the book would help me understand a part of the world that is surrounded in mystery and intrigue--at least, to most Westerners.I was not disappointed.Saddeka uses literature to explore Saudi Arabia's "preoccupation...with the subject of women--their education, their work, their mobility."Why the use of literature for such a daunting task?Because "literature...has historically and continues today to define reality."How do women themselves "read" their own culture?How do they perceive their own religious heritage, their cultural traditions, and history?How do they respond to conventional interpretations of their religion, tradition, and history?What do they see as they look at the world from their particular social space? Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. African    3. Arabic literature    4. General    5. History and criticism    6. Middle East - Saudi Arabia    7. Political and social views    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Saudi Arabia    10. Sociology    11. Women authors, Arab    12. Social Science / Anthropology / General   

Reviews (4)

Informative but not critical enough
This book is very informative and takes one on a tour of Saudi life and Saudi politics, including the essential problems facing Saudis Fuedal royal family. Succinct Review
This slender book appears to be the published version of a thesis. It covers in brief but reasonably complete form the several aspects of Saudi Arabia, its history, the governing family, the economy, politics, the oil story, the Hajj and security. Its prognostications for the future seem reasonable. I was forced to question its accuracy in every category when I found the date of Abdul Aziz's deceasegiven as 1950. Many have followed the leader in stating that he was born in 1880, as does Long, but it is was in fact the year 1876, probably in October or November, that he first saw light and he died in 1953.. The photographs are reproduced on the text stock, thusreducing their intrinsic value.I find the book overpriced. Its page total is 154, which is less thanthe total given in the blurb.

Best book I have ever read.
A high level writing I have ever meet. I hope every people will introduce with this book to acquire knowledge about SAUDI ARABIA. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. History: World    4. International Relations - General    5. Middle East - General    6. Middle East - Saudi Arabia    7. Saudi Arabia    8. Saudi Arabia - History    9. Arabian peninsula    10. Asian / Middle Eastern history    11. Cultural studies   

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. History: World    4. Islam - General    5. Middle East - General    6. Middle East - Saudi Arabia    7. Saudi Arabia    8. Saudi Arabia - History    9. Wahhabiyah    10. Wahhåabåiyah    11. Arabian peninsula    12. Asian / Middle Eastern history    13. History of specific racial & ethnic groups   

Reviews (2)

Best read after reading the full 1922 text of T.E. Lawrence
The diary is wonderful, and Dr. Mack's "A Prince of Our Disorder, describes this year very well. I recommend that those who have not yet seen the full 1922 text edition of Seven Pillars of Wisdom get their copy of that first from Castle Hill Press in the UK, sold on their website. As Dr. Mack notes, Lawrence once admitted that his writing was at times "written with the allusiveness that hints at knowledge refusing to betray itself between the lines." It took quite a man to impress Winston Churchill.

A Sweeping Epic
This book is a insight into the world at the dawn of the 20th century. This is a sweeping comprehensive factual account that should be in the collection fo any book reader. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Essays & Travelogues    2. History - General History    3. Middle East - General    4. Middle East - Saudi Arabia    5. Travel    6. ASIA    7. Biography: general    8. Travel writing   

Reviews (1)

A fine but harrowing history
No adequate understanding of the Jewish experience is possible without some acquaintance with the history of Yemenite Jewry. Compared with the other Jews of Islam, whose experience of persecution was generally milderthan that of their European brethren, Yemenite Jewry often fell prey toreligious fanaticism, suffering the most grievous oppression, humiliationand social disruption. As a result, particularly since the seventeenthcentury, Talmudic study fell out of favor, while mysticism gainedpopularity. In other works, I had read that Yemenite Jewish parenting wasmore punitive than that of many other Jewish communities, and thatalcoholism was rife. After reading this fine but harrowing history, I thinkI understand why. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Sociology   

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 People & Places    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. History - Middle East    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile literature    6. Multicultural Studies (Young Adult)    7. People & Places - Asia    8. People & Places - Middle East    9. Social Science - General    10. Yemen   

Reviews (2)

A Struggle for Power
Ms. Alangari has produced a master work of analysis and synthesis thatdescribes the factors involved in Ibn Saud's rise to power in spite of theweakness and original lack of cohesion and motivation among his followersand the strength of his enemies. Her research is all-encompassing: herreferences and bibliography are more complete than those in any other workcovering the decade in question. Her conclusions regarding the nature andfoundation of the political authority of the two major protagonists appearindisputable. I quote the penultimate sentences in the book: "Ibn Saudsucceeded because he developed a finely-honed clarity of vision in areligiously devout society. It was this mutual affinity between Ibn Saudand his extended social groups which provided the necessary social consentto end over one thousand years of Hashemite rule." The book is not forthe casual reader, but the specialist will find ample reward in a carefulstudy of its content

A Struggle for Power
Ms. Alangari has produced a master work of analysis and synthesis thatdescribes the factors involved in Ibn Saud's rise to power in spite of theweakness and original lack of cohesion and motivation among his followersand the strength of his enemies. Her research is all-encompassing: herreferences and bibliography are more complete than those in any other workcovering the decade in question. Her conclusions regarding the nature andfoundation of the political authority of the two major protagonists appearindisputable. I quote the penultimate sentences in the book: "Ibn Saudsucceeded because he developed a finely-honed clarity of vision in areligiously devout society. It was this mutual affinity between Ibn Saudand his extended social groups which provided the necessary social consentto end over one thousand years of Hashemite rule. The book is not for thecasual reader, but the specialist will find ample reward in a careful studyof its content ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1853?-1931    2. 1880-1953    3. General    4. History    5. History & Theory - General    6. Husayn ibn Ali,    7. Ibn Saud,    8. Ibn Sa°åud,    9. International    10. International Relations - General    11. King of Hejaz,    12. King of Saudi Arabia,    13. Middle East - General    14. Middle East - Saudi Arabia    15. Politics - Current Events    16. Politics / Current Events    17. Saudi Arabia    18. Social Science    19. Sociology    20. Ã²Husayn ibn °AlÃ¥i,    21. Arabian peninsula    22. Asian / Middle Eastern history: from c 1900 -    23. British & Irish history: from c 1900 -    24. First World War, 1914-1918    25. Husayn ibn °Ali    26. Ibn Sa°ud    27. Inter-war period, 1918-1939    28. Middle East    29. Political structure & processes    30. United Kingdom, Great Britain   

Subjects:  1. History: World    2. Biography: general    3. Saudi Arabia    4. Social history    5. Women's studies   

Reviews (10)

Decent, but not great
Jonathan Randal's obviously has a lot of information to work with in light of his decades of work in the Middle East.Due to his vast experience, his book is useful.Unfortunately, it does not contain much information about Osama bin Laden.If the book had been titled something else it would have been fitting as the book was more about terrorism in general and al-Qaeda and Osama more specifically.He has obvious political leanings towards France and is definitely not an alarmist like many that write about terrorism today.Sometimes his anti-American political jibes can be irritating and even irrational.He paints Osama as more or less a good Muslim and never points out where he is not a good Muslim.If he believes that, that's fine.It's a little hard to swallow that he then finds it wrong that the US is in a war against Islam.It seemed to be a major philosophical jump in my mind.If you want to read an interesting book about terrorism and someone's opinion about Middle East politics this is a decent book.If you are looking for a book about Osama find another one.

Real Backstory to our World Under Threat
Randall spoke in London in October, 2005. I was there and brought the book back with me. This new (2005 paperback) edition is dramatically improved from the first, as it is informed by a mountain of data drawn together by the 911 Commission, whose report came out after Randal's first book went to press.
very balanced and objective book
A well researched book, balanced and objective, informative and engrossing.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Afghanistan    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Criminals & Outlaws    5. History    6. History: World    7. Islam    8. Middle East - General    9. Political    10. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    11. Political Terrorism    12. Religious aspects    13. Saudi Arabia    14. Saudi Arabia - History    15. Terrorism    16. Terrorists    17. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (9)

Relevant
A woman from "the West" describes what it is like to enter, in the 1960s, the Muslim world. She marries a Muslim and describes what it's like to try and adapt his ways in his country. Though I got the feeling that she was trying a little too hard to put a positive spin on things, it's informative and interesting.

Excellent
I am a granddaughter of Marianne Alireza, and I am very proud of her accomplishments. Through reading the book, I found out things about Saudi that are no longer seen today and felt that it was her strength and perseverence which enabled her to do what she did. She was warned of some of the hardships she might encounter in giving up her western life and moving to the unknown, however she did not let that get in her way and I find this to be inspirational to not only women but anyone who may face similar circumstances of marrying into a different culture. I will admit however that it does take a certain type of person with a strong mind and good heart to be able to embrace a mentality and life that is so different to that of their own.

I wish that this book was in Saudi!
I am currently residing here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and read an articleon this lady in my "Arabian Woman" magazine a wee while ago. Saudi Arabia is a country which many are mesmorised by and are interested in and I can assure everyone it is certainly a country which most people will never forget if they have ever lived there. Sure it is has it's bad points (but doesn't every country) and yes it has some good things about it as well. The best advice I can offer is to go there with an Open mind and respect that yes these people are different to my own culture but hey it is interesting to be living amongst them in their "world". I, myself have enjoyed the hospitality of many Arabs here and are grateful to them all for their kindness. As a woman I thought that it would be hard but I have been fortunate and have made some lovely friends from the Middle East.I am just saddened by all the recent problems that we have had from the Muslim world too but many of them worry about this as much as we do. My philosophy:Read more

Subjects:  1. Alireza, Marianne    2. Customs & Traditions    3. History    4. History - General History    5. Middle East - General    6. Middle East - Saudi Arabia    7. Saudi Arabia    8. Social life and customs    9. Sociology    10. Travel    11. Journeys   

Subjects:  1. History - General History    2. Middle East - General    3. Photographs: collections    4. Places & peoples: general interest    5. United Arab Emirates   

Reviews (2)

Interesting expat perspective
All I'll say is that the author had the patience (or stubborn-ness!) of a saint! After reading about her experiences with the religious police, what tourist would WANT to go there if they could?

Behind the Veil:An Australian nurse in Saudi Arabia
Lydia Laube in her adventures "Behind the Veil:An Australian nurse in Saudi Arabia" has captured the essence of her experience.She begins by taking the reader on her journey, as she enters Saudi Arabia as atravel nurse on a one year contract assignment.Her love of adventureshines through as she relates to the reader the unique culture shock andcustoms of this closed country.Her story, for many travelers will be allthat they may experience of this oil rich nation that does not admittourists.Laube successfully pulls the reader into the very essence of theculture, language and customs of the Muslim daily life.She candidlyshares the challenges of health care in a nation, plagued by ineffieciency,where women have no rights, censorship is the norm and capital punishmentis strickly enforced.Laube remains strong with determination to improveher surroundings, and the level of care at this hospital, a challengeespecially as a woman in a culture that does not respect women.She sharesthe triumphs and sorrows of daily life.Laube relates the misfortunes ofexpatriates from the Philippines, Sudan, India, Korea and Europeancountries and of recruiting agencies misguided promises.Laube's candidbook is a must read for every nurse or health care professional consideringa term in Saudi Arabia.Also an excellent resource for expatriatesplanning a term of service. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1948-    2. Australia    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Essays & Travelogues    6. Laube, Lydia,    7. Medical - Nurses    8. Nurses    9. Politics/International Relations    10. Saudi Arabia    11. Travel    12. Women    13. Biography: historical    14. Islamic studies    15. Laube, Lydia    16. Travel / Essays & Travelogues   

Reviews (1)

Interesting Argument Well Presented
Khalidi's thesis is that 4 approaches dominated classical Arabichistoriography. In chronological order, they are hadith, adab, hikma andsiyasa. The hadith approach focused on judging the authenticity ofhistorical reports by examining the chain of transmission. Adab is oftentranslated as "belles-lettres". This approach focused on themoral and intellectual lessons taught by history. Hikma refers to thesecular sciences which inspired a more all encompassing historiographicapproach. Finally, siyasa, the science of good government, led tocomprehensive histories often designed for bureaucrats.Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Great Britain - General    2. Historiography    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. Middle East - Saudi Arabia    7. World - General    8. History / Middle East    9. Islamic Empire--Historiography    10. United Kingdom, Great Britain    11. World history   

Subjects:  1. History - General History    2. Middle East - General    3. Ancient World    4. Asian / Middle Eastern history: BCE to c 500 CE    5. Middle & Near Eastern archaeology    6. United Arab Emirates   

Reviews (3)

Captivating story of experiences, knowledge and triumph...
This is an expanded edition of the book first published in 1935, in which the author re-counts his desert experiences in pursuit of knowledge of the Arabian horse. He later used what he learned to become a principal agent in building up the breed in the United States and Europe in the 20th century. Traveling in the Arabian Peninsula shortly before the founding of Saudi Arabia in 1932, Raswan was renowned among the tribes for his deep respect of Bedouin ways, especially horsemanship and horse breed-ing. Born in Dresden in 1893, he emigrated to the United States in 1921, where he as-sisted in the historic Davenport importation and with the establishment of the country's earliest Arabian stud farms. This edition contains 100 pages of photographs.DD

Truth often greater than fiction
Some fiction writers are dying for the structure that will set them apart from the others.Their books are crafted around an outline, a chronology, or an intuition. A story must evolve, a character must draw the reader in. If in structure only, this narrative changes the way you will read fiction. The stories, the chronology, and the manner of which they are used, createan atmosphere that engulfs the reader, teaches the reading mind that life,when witnessed and retold well, is more beautiful than fiction; a newmythology of truth is born.This book is a keystone to perceiving life,and living, as each day is a myth being told, and that all travels willbring us to tales of morality, love, and the sweet heart-ache of departureand return.

First person story of life with the Bedouin by a Westerner.
The author was a German soldier in WWI who lived with the Bedouin for 22years after the war.His initial attraction was his love of Arabianhorses, but he eventually acquiired the language and customs of the Rualatribe.Incredibly violent scenes are described in great detail as he ridesin raiding parties and fights gun battles with other tribes. One compellingscene describes the sound of bullets smacking into the chest of his bestfriend.The food scenes are also not for the faint of heart; you may notwant to know what they do with the contents of a dead camel's stomach. There is also much in the book that makes one admire the laws of the desertand the nomadic customs that have evolved. This is not a scientificbook or an anthropological text, but it should be of extreme interest toany one who seriously studies these people.My interest in oriental rugscaused me to pick it up at a local junk store, and I found it thoroughlyengrossing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arabian Peninsula    2. Bedouins    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Description and travel    5. Historical - General    6. History    7. History: World    8. Middle East - Egypt    9. Middle East - General    10. Raswan, Carl Reinhard    11. Asian / Middle Eastern history: from c 1900 -    12. History / Middle East    13. History of specific racial & ethnic groups