Posts Tagged ‘Saudi Arabia’

Media Center: 'On Saudi Arabia' by Karen Elliott House

September 4th, 2012

Author of photoWHO: Karen Elliott House

WHAT: ON SAUDI ARABIA:
Its People, Past, Religion, Fault Lines
—and Future

WHEN:
Published by Knopf September 21, 2012

WHERE:
Author tour to Austin, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Washington DC

WHY:
From a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter who has spent the last thirty years writing about Saudi Arabia: an important and timely book that explores all facets of life in that mysterious kingdom—an oil-rich nation that is both critical to global stability and also a source of Islamic terrorists.

To write this book, the author interviewed religious leaders, government officials, political dissidents, and most of the key members of the very private Al Saud royal family. She argues that most Saudis do not want democracy but seek change nevertheless. They want a government that provides basic services without subjecting citizens to the indignity of begging princes for handouts, a government less corrupt and more transparent in how it spends hundreds of billions of annual oil revenue, and a kingdom that is ruled by law, not by royal whim.

Authoritative and illuminating, On Saudi Arabia looks deeply at the many changes facing that country and reflects on what its future means for the rest of the world.
_____

Photo of the jacket“A definitive book.
Karen House demonstrates an unparalleled understanding of the dynamics of Saudi society. Her extraordinary access to Saudis from all walks of life and her keen insights into the impact of Islam and the governing style of the ruling family on the lives of Saudi citizens greatly enrich the reader’s understanding of this significant Middle Eastern country.”
—Susan Collins, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

“An engaging and lucid exploration.”
Recommended reading for all those seeking a new perspective on one of the world’s most consequential societies.” —Henry A. Kissinger

“Timely and truly important.
A book that future Saudi leaders should read carefully.” —Zbigniew Brzezinski

“An informed and well-researched book.
Good reading for those interested in learning about Saudi Arabia beyond the image of a wealthy country with unlimited money from oil.”
—KIRKUS REVIEWS

Interior art from book
King Abdul Aziz bin Saud, founder of the current Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with some of his forty-four sons, five of whom have succeeded him since his death in 1953.

Media Resources:
About the book | Author bio | Download the jacket or the author photo

Publicity:
Michelle Somers | 212-572-2082 | msomers@randomhouse.com