Posts Tagged ‘The Dream Palace of the Arabs’

Great Books That Provide Insight Into the Egyptian Crisis

February 11th, 2011

Though recent protests have now drawn international attention to the political situation in Egypt, many of the opinions now being voiced are the result of many decades of unrest and discontent. For more background on the conflict in Egypt and on Egypt’s relationship to the rest of the Middle East, pick up one of these great books.

The Strong Horse, by Lee Smith

Middle East Expert Lee Smith punctures Western assumptions about the Arab world and discusses the United States’ role in shaping the region’s future. He also details the three-decades-long relationship between Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and the United States, and gives a history of the Muslim Brotherhood. Smith moved to Cairo after September 11th and offers a unique view of the changing face of Egypt in the 20th century. Click here to read an excerpt.

“Succinct and accessible…. An important read for anyone interested in the Middle East.” —The Christian Science Monitor

Buy the trade paperback:
Random House
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Buy the eBook:
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Google eBookStore
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The Dream Palace of the Arabs, by Fouad Ajami

Palestinian scholar Fouad Ajami presents an unflinching analysis of the political realities in the Middle East today. By focusing on on the role of intellectuals in the Arab world and their struggle for modernity, Ajami provides a unique viewpoint that is vital for anyone who seeks to understand the region.

“An important and illuminating book.” —The New York Times

Buy the trade paperback:
Random House
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Borders
IndieBound
Click here for more retailers

Buy the eBook:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Borders
Google eBookStore
Reader Store for Sony
Click here for more retailers

A History of Egypt, by Jason Thompson

A comprehensive account of 5,000 years of Egyptian history that is unprecedented in scope and highly readable. Historian Jason Thompson draws on the most current scholarship and makes connections between the ancient land of the Pharaohs and the modern-day nation. Click here to read an excerpt.

“A remarkable work of synthesis, cohesion, and understanding…. Wonderfully vivid…. Extremely readable…. This is the first major work of its kind and it succeeds triumphantly.” —Al-Ahram Weekly

Buy the trade paperback:
Random House
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Borders
IndieBound
Click here for more retailers