Middle East Books

Michael Dolan has lived as a professional journalist in the Middle East for over two of the five decades he covers in "Israel at the Crossroads."

Assignments have continued to be awarded to him from leading media outlets throughout the world.

His balanced firsthand reporting of the events surrounding the struggles for the land of Israel begins with a detailed examination of Arab as well as Jewish history. He follows up with a delineation of the religious aspects of the ongoing conflict from both perspectives of Islam and Judaism.

Mr. Dolan's friendships with individuals from both camps is evident in his delicate presentation of the people centered, according to Scripture, as 'the apple of God's eye.' {Deuteronomy 32:10; Zechariah 2:8}

TL Farley,
author,

When Now Becomes Too Late
{ Prophecy : The Rapture In Brief : Inside The Twinkle ! }

Distant Reaches
{ True Life Adventure In Ireland, Boston and On The North Atlantic }

I found this book very interesting and quite informative. It gave a very objective and yet consise perspective on the modern developments in Israel and its continuing struggle with the Palestinian drive for Independence. I thought that the information on religious differences was also of much interest.

The Middle East Crisis has been a major TV news topic for at least the last 30 years. Nevertheless, most Americans have no clue what is going on over there. We continue to try to understand the situation based on Western logic while not understanding that the involved parties have a perspective that does not fit Western logic, bargaining, or compromise. This book gives a terrific overview of the topic.

I found this book very interesting and quite informative. It gave a very objective and yet consise perspective on the modern developments in Israel and its continuing struggle with the Palestinian drive for Independence. I thought that the information on religious differences was also of much interest.

This is an excellent account of the history of the Jewish state and it's conflicts with the Arab world, including the Palestinian issue.

The book has a Biblical foundation and provides an objective analysis of the present situation.

This book is well written and easy to understand. It provides an insight from both sides of the conflict and much of the account is based on the personal experience of one who has experienced much of the conflict first hand & who lives in Jerusalem. Someone who has also reported on the ongoing conflict for a major media network.

I share the author's interest and love for the Holy Land and a large percentage of his opinions. I have listened to David Dolan speak on the subject and he possesses a wealth of information, knowledge and experience.

Highly recommended.

Mr Sher writes a well balanced book in a very clear writing style which enables everyone to understand the complex process of negotiations.
Although with sadness I knew the outcome, I still felt hopeful throughout that the team would be able to secure a peace for both peoples.
This book is well balanced, Mr Sher giving fair criticism where due regardless of who it is and despite the disappointing outcome, he does not malign anyone involved.
I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to know more of the situation faced by all who live in the Land.

Whilst there have been a number of books on this topic such as Enderlin's Shattered Dreams, Swisher's The Truth About Camp David and Dennis's Ross's verbose recollections in The Missing Peace, Gilead Sher's book is by far the best.

Filled with details of every meeting, discussion between Israelis, Palestinians and Americans, it fills in the missing details as to the motives and positions of the principal players in the negotiations. It reveals that the reason for the breakdown in the negotiations was complex and multi-causal, not simply a case of "exposing Arafat's face" as has so damagingly been popularised in Israeli and Jewish circles.

As Israel approaches a new round of final status negotiations after a break over six years, the Israeli government should have a good read of Sher's book for instruction. The time for wishful thinking regarding a final agreement is over - an agreement in the spirit of the Clinton parameters remains the best resolution of the final status issues, which as Sher sets out the Israeli government accepted, subject to minor clarifications over six years ago.

Gilead Sher spoke yesterday at the Middle East Institute in DC on the newly-translated English edition of his negotiating memoir, Within Reach. It was a total hit, and anyone who wants the cliff notes should check it out on CSPAN.

I was so pleased to discover that Mr. Sher is not only a great orator and public speaker, but a gifted writer as well. His book explains the negotiating process that Sher directed on behalf of the State of Israel. It was, no doubt, a painful personal ordeal, and in rich detail Sher tells us his point of view--from the Camp David 2000 summit to the dozens of covert meetings all across the world with his Palestinian counterparts.

The Arab-Israeli junkie will not be able to set this book down. It is a must read.

The title of Gilead Sher's excellent book: "Within Reach" The Israeli-Palestinian Peace Negotiations, 1999-2001 - - is deceiving. It suggests a dry, ponderous policy analysis that would only be of interest to experts or students of the Middle East conflict. But what Sher really does is provide a fascinating personal journey through an erratic minefield of diplomacy and policy, personalities and cultures. "Within Reach" is extremely well written, and the anecdotes and insights that are peppered throughout provide a deeply personal look at a complex process. It is a riveting story of our times.

Gilead is my brother, so naturally, I am not objective, then again, knowing him personally, I can attest to his unyielding honesty, extraordinary analytical brightness and deep commitment to a fair solution to the Palestinian Israeli conflict.

Refelecting these qualities, "Within Reach," a best seller in Israel, and published illegally in the Arab Press, provides a fascinating insight into the overt and covert negotiations, detailing the Israeli and Palestinian positions on the core issues of the conflict -- Palestinian Refugees Right of Return, Jerusalem, Settlements, Security and Territories, Water. It recounts the ups and downs of the negotiations, the "players" personalities, the decision making process and the proposed solutions, which will no doubt serve as the blueprint for any future negotiations.

I highly recommend it for anyone interested in Israel, in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and most importantly, in the parameters of a possible agreement for the End of Conflict.

Those readers looking for both a thorough history of Jerusalem will also get an informative review of the political and religious aspects of the Near East. Many endnotes and a very useful bibliography.

My God indeed!
What a time line story!!! It is without equal, and tells us just where this present day middle east crises is going.
Pulling out the stops here, i want to say this book should be required reading for all people from all cultures.
I have just finished my third reading and keep it next to my reading chair like a Bible.
Only problem; none.

Eric Cline has written a vast range of books and articles for both specialized publications and general audiences. His latest book, "Jerusalem Besieged", is written in the same vein as his previous book "Battles of Armageddon" and yet in many ways this new book must have been difficult to write. While Megiddo is in ruins, Jerusalem is still the religious center of three major world faiths and is held sacred by hundreds of millions of people throughout the world. It is almost impossible to write a book on Jerusalem without offending someone, but Cline has managed to write one of the most tactful books possible. Nowhere does he slide into polemic, nor has he made any religious claims in lieu of evidence. He has tried his best to write an even-handed account of Jerusalem's military past. He has spent a great deal of time in that city and his love of the subject comes through loud and clear. He writes as an archaeologist not as a political commentator, and yet there is much journalistic material he has read and incorporated into the text. Cline writes in beautifully lucid prose. General readers will find the material accessible and yet Cline's research is available in the footnotes and the extensive bibliography. Readers are given a framework within which to think about the repercussions of several millenia of strife in Jerusalem. Cline documents 118 separate conflicts during which Jerusalem has been destroyed completely twice, besieged 23 times and attacked an additional 52 times. It has been captured and re-captured 44 times and this does not even include the 20 revolts and innumerable riots. Cline manages to cover them in less than 500 pages while covering each incident, and giving judicious opinions in places where controversy occurs. This is a must purchase for military historians and general readers alike.

This was a very informative book, well researched and most importantly it was easy to read without falling asleep. Highly recommended.

This is a book that really needed to be written.

When I lived briefly in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, I was told that in ancient times, Tabuk had been known as "the most evil place in the world." Frankly at the time, I doubted that any geographical locality could have a karma of its own. After reading Eric H. Cline's book, Jerusalem Besieged, I think I'm going to have to reconsider the issue.

What I found most intriguing about the author's discussion was his concept of the origin of the site's importance. Most archaeologists tend to point to the advantage of a location as the inspiration for settlement and development in the area. Often things like access to a sheltered harbor, a fishing resource, mineral wealth such as flint, obsidian, ceramic clay, iron, gold or silver, or water availability and so on are reasons that a city grows and flourishes through time. As one realtor has said, "there are three things to remember in selecting real estate: location, location, location."

Jerusalem however seems to defy that premise. According to the author, it is neither exceptional for its geologic nor for its geographic gifts. The agricultural value of the surrounding land is marginal, water supply is iffy, there are no large stands of timber to be harvested and few if any valuable mineral riches to be mined. Geographically it seems to have been an isolated site, in the back of beyond. It lies well inland of the coast and is not the hub of intersecting trade routes. In fact, although it is mentioned in the Egyptian Armarna texts, it seems to have held little political value until David took it forcibly from the Jebusites, its previous owners, and made it the center of his new monarchy. It would appear that even he chose the site primarily because it had not been a power base for any of his own people. Its foreign citizenry owed no one but him any loyalty, so it would not entangle him in the petty internal feuds that seemed to be the bane of the Israelite political world. Yet over the past 3000 years, more blood has been shed over the city of Jerusalem than practically any other site on earth.

So what makes this rock in the middle of nowhere such a magnet for passion and violence? Why does the City of Peace seem to drive sensible people crazy? According to Professor Cline it would appear to be the city's emotional wealth. So many have made Jerusalem the center of spiritual and emotional importance that the site is invested with staggering human significance. That investment in Jerusalem over the past 3000 years almost ensures continuous strife over its possession. No one seems immune to the insanity either. People from as distant as the Far East have taken a part in the madness. Everyone from the Romans to the British and the US have entered the melee. Embarrassingly-for a nominal Christian at least-the worst of the violence seems to have been perpetrated by the Crusaders.

Almost all of the illustrations of the city in the book are from its outside and from a fair distance. I think the artist had a good idea. Personally by the end of the book I felt that everyone should be forbidden to live on the site for their own good; it's far too dangerous. It should be walled off for the health of the world, and the faithful and the curious can look at it through the fence from a safe distance. Having read the author's book The Battles of Armageddon, I would have to say that if the end of days does occur, it won't be at Megiddo; it'll be at Jerusalem!

As I said above, this is a book that really needed to be written. It's not that there is anything particularly new in it; it's just that it's all particularly focused. I think that it should be required reading for all politicians, both regional and national, and certainly for any of those involved in attempts to bring about peace in the area. For the general reader it will make the issues in the Middle East far clearer and reveal why a lasting peace in the area is unlikely to occur any time soon. It will also make the Arab countries' horror over the US activities in the region more understandable. Certainly the author's final statement, quoting O'Neill, is vividly evocative of the entire message of the book, "For now, however, in Jerusalem, perhaps more than anywhere else in the world, `There is no present or future-only the past, happening over and over again...(p. 310).'"

I usually shy away from POD or self-published books, but this novel shone with refreshing, gritty honesty and a thoughtful treatment of real life issues. Though the story line of a minister's wife (herione Katie Means) becoming a burglar to save a school for children with autism screams unbelievable, I couldn't argue with the author's careful characterization of the protagonist. Cher Smith's easy writing style and snappy dialogue had me sailing through the book in no time.

For those who normally read "Christian" or biblical worldview fiction, you may find some content offensive. Or, this may just be the kick in the pants you need. For those who normally read general or ABA fiction, welcome to a well-written yet convicting story about people just like you and me, trying to find our places in the world.

Bravo.

The book is outstanding! It's a fast read with so much thought, you'll want to read it twice. It talks of life, love, sacrifice, sex, nudity, God, the Church, lying, stealing, and learning to be honest with yourself (& with God). I appreciate how it keeps your interest the entire book. This book would be a great movie.

A quick and entertaining read. Katie Means is the perfect character to fall in love with. The reader will feel her pain, anxiety, and pleasure at each and every moment.

The author has an amazing knack for telling a story and utilizing characterization.

Especially recommended for all those stuffy, staunch, over-conservative Christians who think if you follow God perfectly, nothing bad will ever happen to you. Think again!! Bad things happen to everyone, and this book shows how one woman overcomes that in her own way and mends her relationship with God.

Justified Means is the story of a woman dealing with a disabled child. It's also the story of a pastor's wife who steals. Those contradictories make for a very enjoyable read. Her honesty about being angry at God is refreshing, especially for those who are more used to black-and-white characterizations of churchgoers.

It's about time a writer used her wit, intelligence, and craft to create a delightful and meaningful novel. "Justified Means" is one of those novels that has you crying one minute and then laughing the next. I highly recommend this for anyone who's tired of the trite, silly chick-lit that's out there. I promise you will not be disappointed. (Also, if you are lucky enough to find a copy, check out Cher Smith's other novel, "The Falcon and the Serpant." Another great read!)

A masterpiece of scholarship with the most surprising revelations on some of the best known sections of the Bible. This book makes it clear that for every text that makes it into print there are hundreds that circulate in oral culture and are maintained from mouth to ear. The richness and variety of the texts presented is staggering

Translated from the original German by the founder of Hadassah, this work encompasses Jewish legends and traditions from a comprehensive array of Jewish and non-Jewish sources, weaving together into a story-form the various myths and legends; some espoused by mainstream and some by non-mainstream Jewry. Great bibliographical references for each citation utilizing both traditional and non-traditional sources.

For anyone out there interested about Ester and her role (Explained in greater detail) should get this book.

I would suggest this series to anybody interested in theology, hands down.

For any student of theology, this is a fascinating collection. Contains references to Lilith (Adam's first wife) and a plethora of angel names - over 200. I highly recommend this exceptional collection for all readers.

This book is absolutely fascinating in both scope, depth, and its incredible political insights. Every Jew should read this book.

Chaim Herzog, one of Israel's greatest statesmen, served as President of Israel from 1983 to 1993, after a distinguished career in both the British Army during World War II, the Israeli Army during the War of Independence, a key mastermind behind Israel's intelligence services and Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, between 1975 and 1978.
Chaim's father Rabbi Rabbi Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog, was Chief Rabbi of Ireland from 1919 to 1937 (and later, of Palestine and Israel).
When Chaim was three years old he witnessed a man on a horse and cart being shot dead outside his house during the Irish Civil War. During his studies for a legal degree at London University College in the 1930s Herzog describes the hostility faced by both the Communists with their irrational hostility to Zionists who they labelled "exploiters", "aggressors", "Fascists" and "colonialists", and the hostility by the Fascists who supported Hitler and Nazi Germany.
Herzog also describes the pro-Arab policies and attitudes of the British colonial administration of Palestine, who clinging to Lawrence of Arabia fantasies, sided with the Arabs and prevented Jews entering Palestine, even during the Holocaust.
Herzog writes of his experiences as a soldier in the British army fighting the Nazis during World War II.
participated in the liberation of several concentration camps as well as identifying a captured German soldier as Heinrich Himmler.
After the war Herzog joined the struggle for Jewish Statehood in the Land of Israel, against the Arabs and their British colonial allies.
Herzog recalls how the law forbade both Arabs and Jews from carrying arms, but the British regularly arrested Jews for carrying arms and seldom apprehended or disarmed armed Arabs.
It is ironic to read of the co-operative co-existance between Iran under the enlightened Shah Reza Pahlavi, when we see that today Israel's most implacable and genocidal enemy is the Iranian regime of Khamenei and Ahamdinejad.
He also deals with allegations of racism against Israel reflecting "It's rather sad that there is distrust between American Blacks and Jews today and that many prominent Blacks seem anti-Semitic. Israeli society is definitely not racist: We have a large black Ethiopian population, and there is much intermarriage".
Herzog explains the Soviet role of encouraging Arab aggression during the Six Day War, and a United Nations that did nothing to stop Arab plans to annihilate Israel and her people but stepped in to stop Israel from completing her victory over the Arab aggressors once Israel was clearly winning.
He also outlines the role of the Soviet Union in instigating and initiating Syrian and Egyptian aggression against Israel before the Six Day War.

He describes the religious respect that Israel showed towards Moslem and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, with Moshe Dayan even handing over control of the Al Aqsa Mosque built on the Temple Mount (Judaism's holiest site) to the Moslem religious authorities, the Waqf.
This in contrast to Arab desecration and destruction of Jewish holy sites after the Jordanians captured the old city of Jerusalem during the War of Independence.
But Herzog's finest hour was no doubt his heroic stand taken as Ambassador to the United Nations during the shameful proceedings the led to the totalitarian dominated United Nations equating Zionism with racism.
Herzog told truth to power and did Israel and the Jewish people proud when he told the UN when the committee met to vote on the evil resolution:
"We shall survive this shameful exhibition,...and I thank the delegates who have expressed themselves against this pernicious resolution. We shall not forget those who voted to attack our religion and our faith. We shall never forget."
If only Israel had such diplomatic representatives who could stand up for their nation today.
At the General Assembly Herzog pointed out that : "Zionism is the name of the national movement of the Jewish people and is the modern expression of ancient Jewish heritage...Zionism is to the Jewish people what the liberation movements of Africa and Asia have been to their own people. Zionism is one of the most dynamic and and vibrant national movements in human history. Historically it is based on a unique and unbroken connection, extending some four thousand years, between the People of the Book and the Land of the Bible...We put our trust in Providence, in our faith and beliefs, in our time hallowed tradition, in our striving for social advance and human values, and in our people wherever they may be. For us, the Jewish people, this resolution based on hatred, falsehood and arrogance is devoid of any moral or legal value".
He cover his role in preserving Israeli national unity and representing Israel to the world, as President of Israel from 1983 to 1993.

Sadly his optimism stated towards the end of the book about how the "peace process" with the PLO and Arafat would succeed because the Arabs know they are economically dependant onm Israel and that terrorist activity would militate against their political aspirations would prove to be wrong.
He did not reckon on the Amalek-like hatred that the Palestinian terrorist groups and their supporters have for Israel, a hatred that means they would rather destroy themselves and their own society than leave in peace.
It is tragic that Herzog did not live to see how wrong this false optimism was, he died in 1997, three years before Arafat launched the murderous intifada against the Israeli people, as a response to Barak's offers to accommodate their demands and aspirations.
The rise of Hamas and Islamic Jihad and their determination to murder Jews has again proved the futility of talking to terrorists or trying to accommodate those who want Israel destroyed.
I do however have hope that if Israel stands firm and demonstrates her will to survive and not be victimised, an accommodation can be reached with moderate Arab states like Egypt and Jordan, which will include the future and welfare of those Palestinian Arabs who do want peace and coexistence.

A wonderful autobiography of Israeli statesman, diplomat, spymaster and politician, Chaim Herzog. Chaim Herzog was among a very fascinating family that included the Chief Rabbi of Israel in the 40s. Chaim himself served in numerous posts, finally becoming President of Israel in the 80s. This narrative covers every aspect of Israeli history from its high points to its low ones. Chaim has been central to every major event in Israeli history, from the siege of Jerusalem in 1948 to the Ethiopian airlift. His smart, to the point, autobiography pulls no punches in its incisive critique of Israeli society today and the mirror of the past. For instance he takes to task such luminaries as Golda and Dayan, while criticizing the rise of `fundamentalism' in Israeli society, painting a not so pretty picture of today's Yeshiva attitude towards serving in the IDF. He explains how the Rabbinate was actually more liberal in the 1940s then it is today. This is a wonderful tour de force on Israeli history, from someone who was central to Israeli policy for year. Not an apologists account, Chaim equally praises Ariel Sharon for his Unit 101 strategies as well as Peres for his inventive ideas. Probably no one in modern Israeli society could be so unbiased as to see the vital gifts that both Sharon and Peres have given to Israel. A must read for anyone interested in Israel or the modern political situation in the middle east.

I met Chaim Herzog in 1996, after the publication of his book and just before his death. I knew that he was one of Israel's formost warriors/statesmen, but of his life in between, well, I realized that I knew nothing indeed about him until I began to read his memoir.

The title "Living History" is perfect in all its sense. It's a fascinating account of his and modern Israel's story.

Chaim Herzog will always be remembered in my heart as the man who defended Israel's rights on and against the world's stage; the United Nations. I would like to transcribe for you a direct quote from his speech on October 17, 1975, when the UN was about to formally vote on institutionalizing the notion of "Zionism is racism":

__________

"We have listened to the most unbelievable nonsense on the issue of Zionism and from whom? From countries who are the archetypes of racism.

...How dare you talk of racism to us, we who suffered more than any other nation in the world from racist theories and practices, a nation which has suffered the most terrifying holocaust in the history of mankind.

...This is a sad day for the United Nations. The Jewish people will not forget this scene nor this vote.

We are a small people with a proud history. We have lived through much in our history.

We shall survive this shameful exhibition, . . . and I thank the delegations who have expressed themselves against this pernicious resolution. We shall not forget those who voted to attack our religion and our faith. We shall never forget."

__________

Of course, his entire memoir is not written out as angry as he was when his role was as Israel's ambassador to the UN, but his writings are just as passionate.

For anyone interested in the history of the modern state of Israel, this is a must read. He was there at just about every important turn and twist; (British intelligence officer in) World War II, Israel's War of Independence, at David Ben-Gurion's side, the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War, the "Zionism is Racism" debate, and as the president of Israel for ten years -- through a national unity government and the Intifada.

Simply an amazing life.

My family and I just returned from a trip to Marrakech. This book captures the culture of Morocco with the most beautiful photographs. The colors are amazing and the recipes it provides are delicious. The book portrays the people, architecture and food of Morocco beautifully. Highly recommended.

bought this for my cousin and her husband with a tagine and they love the recipes! i tried their leftovers from one of the dishes and they were delicious.

This Book is better than i excpected, it has a lot of good information and also some good recepies.

`made in morocco' by Anzac (Australian and New Zealand) chef and culinary writer, Julie Le Clerc and fellow Anzac businessman and photographer, John Bougen, is a culinary travelogue, composed of four types of material. The first and most prominent is Bougen's folio-sized photographic spreads, which begin on the covers and simply don't quit throughout the book. The second is Mme. Le Clerc's recipes organized nominally by location, but more seriously by type of dish (by location). The third component is Mme. LeClerc's culinary introductions and characterizations of the culinary landscape at each Moroccan terroir. The fourth is the text by photographer Bougen, adding some meat to the understanding of the pictures.

Since I was attracted to this volume through a search for primarily culinary titles, my initial reaction was disappointment. As a culinary treatment of Morocco, it can't hold a candle to Paula Wolfert's famous and authoritative `Couscous and Other Good Food from Morocco'. But after reasonable reflection, I realized that the book has quite successfully accomplished its objective, in that it actually incited a desire in me to travel to Morocco. Even Miss Paula didn't do that. But then, that is the object of this book, to provoke an interest in the country in general through photography and culinary material.

Why then do I give this less than five stars! Mostly, it's for small things, such as inadequate captions to the luscious photographs. I would simply love to know what the large copper (or brass) kettle in the frontispiece picture is for, but nothing is offered to explain the setting or the unusual kitchen utensils therein. Another small item is that if you are doing a travelogue, put the map of the trip in the FRONT of the book! The rather anemic map is in the back of the book, just before the index, and it is a poor excuse for a map at that.

There is little attempt to characterize Moroccan cuisine in general (see Wolfert for that), but it is interesting to see a fine example of the fact that while Morocco is at the far western edge of the Mediterranean, west of Italy, France, and even Spain, its cuisine has much more in common with the Arab Levant than with its closer European neighbors bordering the Mediterranean. While Italy never gets too excited about sweet desserts, Morocco relishes them with all the gusto of Lebanon and Syria.

It's interesting to see the book end with what seem like excellent `travel notes', but there is no information on how best to travel to Morocco, just as there are no sources for Moroccan staples on the Internet.

This is a great little book to tease you into wanting to go to Morocco. It's culinary content is light, but all recipes are made easy for convincing entertaining in a Moroccan style. If you are adverse to hot, dry climates and want more culinary material, try Wolfert's book for a better analytical all-around grounding in Moroccan cuisine.

I have this book and have used it for several dinner parties. People love the meals and love looking through the cookbook. The fantastic photographs not only capture the the dishes perfectly, but also give an excellent glimpse of Morocco, the place. Julie Le Clerc is so good at translating the local foods into recipes that anyone can make. I envision many more wonderful meals from this cookbook.

Read your typical history book covering Chinese history and you'll get a very distinct picture of the Jurchens and Manchus--about their conquest of china, the corruption of the Qing government (as if no other dynasty had corruption), of the power-hungry Aisio-gioro Nurgaci, founder of the Qing dynasty, and their alien, steppe-nomadic ways. Most Chinese history books have little good or substantive to say about this north-east Asian culture whose term for their religious priesthood was adopted by the West, "Shaman" (Chinese, "saman").

This book takes all that mythology and anti-Manchu rehtoric and blasts it to pieces with a compelling story of a people who have rarely been studied objectively and as a culture separate from the Mongols and Chinese. Nurgaci was not the man of the myths we've heard and never called himself Emperor. In fact for most of his life his title was "beile of the Jianzhou Jurchens". He was a great lord and chieftain of his lineage, but not even an autocrat in his authority, ruling jointly with his brother, Surgaci, for many years.

Besides the myths about Nuragi, many cultural myths are also dispelled. One major one is the assumption that the Manchus were nomads with a steppe culture analogous to the Mongol culture. This book explains how and why this assumption is wrong and is essential to anyone who wants to know the real Manchu people.

I'm only 3 chapters into the book and already know I need to reread it. there's a lot of information for the student of Jurchen and Manchu history!

WELL DONE!!

I read this book after Evelyn Rawski's "The Last Emperors" and it did answer & clarified a lot questions I had with regards to the Manchus and how they were like before entering China proper. The chapter on Nurhachi was good as was the section on the inevitable power struggle between Cixi and Guangxu (my only wish that this was elaborated further).
Crossley's book is highly recommended for both casual & serious historians alike. My suggestion is to read this first before Rawski's "The Last Emperors"

I have read a more recent book Evelyn Rawski's "The Last Emperors: A Social History of Qing Imperial Institutions " in which she discusses the context between her book and "The Manchus". The two books are probably quite similar but I think that Rawski's book would contain much more undisclosed material.
I have decided not to change the rating on this book in the interest of fair play.

I visited to pick up the paperback of this book, and saw this perplexing comment below. This book and The Last Emperor are apples and oranges. This is a popular book (I got my original copy from History Book Club) and intended for reader's with a general interest, or maybe beginning historians. The book by Evelyn S. Rawski is an academic title, very thorough and erudite. But also the books are not on the same subject. Rawski is about the Manchu emperors, their courts and palaces. The Manchus is much more general. Please do not get confused into thinking that these two books are on the same subject.

It's funny to note that at many times the Qing dynasty faced many of the same problems that we see today: overpopulation, government corruption, war against drugs. So much of what we think of as Chinese is also Manchu and was introduced rather recently. Well writen and clear all the way through.

I am the formless form
I operate on myself in this way so that I am continuously arriving
And I am the knower of this field of Description.

As you start reading, your heart will lock it's claws into the book while your brain boils away in a fit of rage.

This is the Most definitive translation of Rumis's Grandest and most Important work. So literal a very few times that it may loose accuracy. Yet surprisingly loyal for being the work of a western scholar.

If you want to drink Rumi with a glass of wine on a slow afternoon then this work is NOT for you.

This is because in this work his mysticism interweaves deep Islamic thought you cannot conviniently delete or distort.

Potiential readers should be aware that this is the diffinative English translation of this spiritual classic. It is sometimes referenced by native Farsi speakers because of it's accuracy. However, it is difficult to read. Know that the work required to read this translation will be well rewarded for anyone with a heart.

Jalaluddin Rumi, b. 1205 in Balkh, now Turkestan, d. 1273 was founder of the Mevlevi order of Sufi Dervishes. He was known among followers as "Mevlana" or "Our Master". The Mathnawi, "Song of the Reed" is often referred to as the Koran in Persian, and ranks among the classics of world spiritual literature.

A series of 3 volumes, the Mathnawi is an ingenious series of allegories, fables, parables and tales, often no more than a page or two in length. The sprawling scope of the subjects covered include everything from accounts of the famous saints of Islam, Christianity and Judaism; told in symbolic and allegorical form to deeply mystical interpretations of life and a renewed call to faith. The quality of the writing is best described as ecstatic prose verse. They are rich with detail about the cultural life of the period.

Rumi dictated the 3 volume series to a scribe, after the loss of his closest friend, guide and spiritual companion, Shams of Tabriz.

Shams was a wandering mystic of astonishing accomplishment who came upon Rumi in his mature middle years and through their relationship, helped carry Rumi into further phases of his development. Their bond was so close, it aroused suspicion and finally jealousy among Rumi's followers, who plotted against Shams and eventually had him killed.

Rumi was inconsolable. According to the tales, the famous turning of the Whirling Dervishes was invented as a form of meditation and praise to God after the wrenching loss of his spiritual companion.

The richly layered stories of the Mathnawi will prove inspirational for the spiritually-inclined of any faith, as well as students of comparative religion, and those open to inner adventures describing the mystical travels of one of the world's greatest, and most literate saints.

Forget all the 'new translations' 'new interpretations' blah blah blah they are nothing of the kind, they are all just re-writes of this classic. Save yourself the money and the time reading books by people making money off the backs of scholars who given years to produce this masterpiece and buy this.

Nicholson based this translation on manuscripts in Konya at the Mevlevihane during the early part of the last century. It must have been particularly hard during those troubled years in Turkey. He studied the commentary of the great Mevlevi Sheikh Ankarawi and the 2 volume notes and commentary (sold separately) are actually translations of that Sheikhs works.

Modern day Sheikhs have said openly that this is one of the best interpretations of Rumis works around today. Sefik Can one of the last great scholars of the Mathnawi who continued the commentary Tahir ul Mevlevi the Turkish commentary on the Mathnawi praised Nicholsons translation so that should give you some idea of the quality of this book.

You may wish to also look for the Discourses of Rumi also by Nicholson and the works of his student A J Arberry. Of modern scholars only Schimmel has come close with her excellent work 'I am wind and you are fire' and Chitticks translation of chapters of the Mathnawi (Chittick is a scholar in Persian, Schimmel is multi lingual) Save yourself the time and money, avoid the thousands of other books on Rumi and buy this one.

Kittleson brings a wealth of personal military experience to this work. Not only was he raised in the home of an American war hero, he has personally devoted himself to serving our country and its soldiers his entire adult life. He brings the perspective and experience of the unassuming soldier---a modest level 5 leader. It is a blend of a little cynicism about the Army its practices and procedures, personal glimpses of war that you will not see in any movie, and a deep sense of honor and devotion. Kittleson is a keen observer and gifted writer. His images combine stark and jarring reality with beautifully crafted language and simple but profound wisdom.
This is not just a work for soldiers who have been there, or guys who wished they had been, though both will find this an engaging book. It is also for anyone who values real stories about real people, struggling and sometimes failing, sometimes triumphing over what they face.
This is not a blood and guts saga, despite the fact that Chaplains probably have to deal with that horror more than the average soldier. This is the taste, the smell, the feel of war in a foreign and hot and hostile place. An example: "Here's a recipe that everyone can easily follow at home. Take a hair dryer outside on the hottest and driest day of the summer. Plug it in and be sure the setting is for `high heat.' Before pointing it at your face, add a large fan behind it and turn it on the highest setting. Next, add another ingredient: a winter heater turned on to the max. Now, bask your entire body in the stifling heat for a good twelve to fourteen hours, occasionally shifting from front to back and cheek to cheek to get an even roast. Just for added effect, turn on a bright light in your face as you bask. Before starting the broiling, take a six to eight-pound flower pot, turn it upside down and place it on your head fastened by a chinstrap. Be sure to leave enough room in the headband for sweat to trickle out and down your eyelids. Put on a heavy shirt and pants with boots geared to allow the minimum of air movement and then add a heavy winter coat or vest. Better yet, just for effect, put on a heavy corset and tighten. Throw in front of the large fan, turned on high, at periodic intervals, a good handful of powered sugar or flour so that it sticks to your body and clothes and on occasion throw a particularly large handful of powdery stuff so that it gets in your lungs and you can taste the grit between your teeth. If you aren't coughing up chunks of the stuff, you haven't thrown enough in front of the fan. After basking, broiling, roasting your body, and wearing holes in your gluteus maximus for the prescribed length of time, stop in an area covered in dirt with the churned up consistency of talcum power. Flop down on a cot under the full moon in the open and sleep the night away while trucks and Humvees hum around you all night long, throwing more and more talcum power in the air while some sort of bug bites your weary, roasted flesh."
Kittleson puts you there. You are not a hero, you are a grunt. But just as you are at the breaking point he helps you see a greater or deeper reality. In the mundane grind of war he unveils truth, wisdom, and sometimes even beauty. The honeywagon becomes a strangely jarring image of the Holy Spirit carrying away your sin. And Jesus like a saper opens a way through spiritual razor wire. You sense the hand of God even in this horrid circumstance of war and come to realize the same hand of God extends into the horrid places in your own life. Kittleson's gift is the ability to show us the magic of grace in the midst of foreign war and so make it possible for us to see it in the midst of our stateside lives.

Meditations From Iraq is a must for everyone. The author is humble and gives the reader an insight on situations a chaplin
may experience in his line of duty, ministering to our military
men and women far from home and family not in the comforts of a church. Chaplin Kittleson adds humor and gives us an understanding of faith at all times.Everyone should read this book before passing judgment on our brave men and women.
This is a book you can't put down. Even those who do not read because they
can't remember what they read will find this book worthwhile.

Meditations from Iraq is an opportunity for those of us at home to experience the country, the war, and our military men and women, all in the light of God's grace. Chaplain Lance Kittleson brings all this to his readers with a wonderful blending of the poignant and the humorous. You'll love his stories! You'll see the best of those who are serving us in this time of war, their fears and their triumphs. You will read about God at work in unexpected ways, and your faith will likely be strengthened in the process.

This book brings real life to the stories of faith and witness going on in Iraq. There were so many excellent touching stories about the people fighting for our country, it's hard to choose a favorite! The author does a great job depicting the realness of human feelings.

Due to the bully pulpit our press gives Hollywood movie "stars", such as Jake Gyllenhaal, every American should read this true account of life in Iraq from the perspective of the American soldier/chaplain. Making a movie on the Middle-East conflict such as Gyllenhaal did with the flick, "Jarhead" does not give any man proper insight into what these brave young men and women are doing on a daily basis. Kittleson, an Army Chaplain, paints a compelling picture of the hardships these heroes endure. Religious or not, political or not, please read this beautifully crafted book, particularly before speaking out as Gyllenhaal did.