Synopses & Reviews
Praise for Previous EditionsThis is a text that breathes life into the history it presents. The authors both care deeply about the region
and are not afraid to spell out these complexities in a style that is at once accessible and gently provocative.”
Joel Gordon, University of Arkansas
A Concise History of the Middle East is in a class of its own. It is the best and easiest way to comprehend Middle Eastern history as a whole.”
T. Hunt Tooley, Austin College
A Concise History of the Middle East is a studious and scholarly delve into history and the explorations of culture
a vital read.”
The Midwest Book Review, January 2013
An introduction to the history of this turbulent region from the beginnings of Islam to the present day, this widely acclaimed text by Arthur Goldschmidt Jr. is distinguished by its clear style, broad scope, and balanced treatment. It covers a vast range of topics including 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 Arab-Israeli conflict, the reassertion of Islamic values and power, the issues surrounding the Palestinian Question, and the post-9/11 Middle East.
The eleventh edition is fully revised to reflect recent events in the region, including expanded and updated discussions of the War on Terrorism” and the Arab uprisings, plus coverage of the rise of ISIL. The text also includes a brand-new chapter on the environmental problems of the region, which increasingly affect its dynamics and politics. With updated electronic supplements including a test bank, bibliography and digital maps, A Concise History of the Middle East remains the quintessential text on Middle East history.
Arthur Goldschmidt Jr. is professor emeritus of Middle East history at Penn State University. He is the author of Modern Egypt: The Formation of a Nation-State, and the recipient of the 2000 Middle East Studies Association Mentoring Award.
Aomar Boum is assistant professor of Anthropology at the University of California, Los Angeles and Faculty Fellow at the Université Internationale de Rabat, Morocco. He is the author of Memories of Absence How Muslims Remember Jews in Morocco.
Review
Praise for the Ninth Edition:"This is a text that breathes life into the history it presents. The authors both care deeply about the regionand both recognize the responsibility of their American readers (their primary readers) to understand, and in a general sense sympathize, with the life struggles of the people whose history they presentand whose history has become increasingly intertwined with American global interests, often times, as they recognize and relate, to the detriment of people in the Middle East. The authors are not afraid to spell out these complexities in a style that is at once accessible and gently provocative. This is a text with personality."
Joel Gordon, University of Arkansas
"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. The addition of frequent biographical sketches and side-bars on major events or political terms bring additional features that make this a compelling and one of a kind introduction to the Middle East."
Donald Wagner, North Park University, Chicago
Praise for the Tenth Edition:
I think that Art Goldschmidt's original idea for a readable textbook on a hard subject has put A Concise History of the Middle East in a class of its own. It is very simply the best and easiest way to comprehend Middle Eastern history as a whole.”
T. Hunt Tooley, Austin College
A Concise History of the Middle East is a studious and scholarly delve into history and the explorations of culture
a vital read.”
The Midwest Book Review, January 2013
Synopsis
Introduces students to the history of the Middle East region from the beginnings of Islam to the present day.
Synopsis
An introduction to the history of this turbulent region from the beginnings of Islam to the present day, this widely acclaimed text by Arthur Goldschmidt Jr. is distinguished by its clear style, broad scope, and balanced treatment. This book explores 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 ArabIsraeli conflict, the reassertion of Islamic values and power, the issues surrounding the Palestinian Question, and the post-9/11 Middle East.
The eleventh edition has been fully revised to reflect the most recent events in, and concerns of, the region, including an expanded and more nuanced discussion of the War on Terrorism” and the Arab uprisings, coverage of the rise of ISIS, and a new chapter on the growing environmental problems of the region. In addition, the authors have incorporated new scholarship on the early history to provide a fuller picture of the political shifts and socioeconomic concerns of that time. With updated bibliographical sketches, chronology and glossary, A Concise History of the Middle East remains an essential text for students of Middle East history.
About the Author
Arthur Goldschmidt Jr. is professor emeritus of Middle East history at Penn State University. He is the author of
Modern Egypt: The Formation of a Nation-State, and the recipient of the Amoco Foundation Award for Outstanding Teaching and the 2000 Middle East Studies Association Mentoring Award.
Aomar Boum is associate professor of anthropology at UCLA.
Table of Contents
List of IllustrationsList of Boxes
Preface
1. Introduction
2. The Middle East Before Muhammad
3. The First Muslim Revolution
4. The Early Arab Conquests
5. The High Caliphate
6. Shiites and Turks, Crusaders and Mongols
7. Islamic Civilization
8. Firearms, Slaves, and Empires
9. European Interests and Imperialism
10. Westernizing Reform in the Nineteenth Century
11. The Rise of Nationalism
12. The Roots of Arab Bitterness
13. Modernizing Rulers in the Independent States
14. Egypt and the Fertile Crescent Under European Control
15. The Contest for Palestine
16. Israels Rebirth and the Rise of Arab Nationalism
17. War and the Quest for Peace
18. The Reassertion of Islamic Power
19. The Gulf War and the Peace Process
20. The War on Terrorism
21. In the Season of Arab Discontent
22. Changing Middle Eastern Environments: Issues, Risks and Sustainability
Appendix 1: Basic Statistics for Middle Eastern Countries
Appendix 2: Muslim Sects: Major Schools, Notable Branches
Chronology
Glossary
Index