Synopses & Reviews
In this cogent and persuasive examination of identity in the modern world, Amin Maalouf moves across the world's history, faiths, and politics, outlining the way the notion of a singular identity—personal, religious, ethnic, or national—can give rise to heated passions and even massive crimes. Although written before the events of September 11, the essence of Maalouf's rumination couldn't be more relevant.
Review
"Makes for compelling reading in America today." —
The New York Times
"This...polemic...confirms that...the mass murder of September 11, while indelibly shocking, is not wholly surprising." —Todd Gitlin, Los Angeles Times
Review
Makes for compelling reading in America today. (The New York Times) This...polemic...confirms that...the mass murder of September 11, while indelibly shocking, is not wholly surprising. (Todd Gitlin, Los Angeles Times)
Synopsis
In this cogent and persuasive examination of identity in the modern world, Amin Maalouf moves across the world's history, faiths, and politics, outlining the way the notion of a singular identity—personal, religious, ethnic, or national—can give rise to heated passions and even massive crimes. Although written before the events of September 11, the essence of Maalouf's rumination couldn't be more relevant.
About the Author
Amin Maalouf is an eminent novelist, whose books include The Rock of Tanios, which won the 1993 Goncourt Prize, France's most prestigious literary award. He was formerly director of the leading Beirut newspaper an-Nahar and editor of Jeune Afrique.