Middle East Books

My after school reading book club read All the Cats of Cairo by Inda Schaenen and we loved the book.

The story is about a girl named Maggie, who is our age, and a LOT like us. Maggie moves from Washington, DC with her Mom and Dad to Cairo - where she is contacted by an ancient Egyptian cat goddess who needs her help to save children from a evil American businessman who wants to build a company in Cairo... His workers are young children, taken from their poor parents, who need money and they will work as slaves! Maggie and her new friend, a boy named Tareq, travel through Egypt to try and save the children.

It's a very exciting story! And my reading group gave it five stars.

ALL THE CATS OF CAIRO by Inda Schaenen contains elements of Egyptain history, mythical wonderment, and present day problems. Written for middle-school children, ALL THE CATS OF CAIRO not only captures the imagination and interest of adolescents, but is also rich in vocabulary. Teachers will find the book rich in promoting the tools of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation as students are challenged to understand how the past affects the present. Overcoming cultural differences is also a theme to promote as thirteen-year-old Maggie and her family find themselves living in the heart of Cairo: a stark contrast to their life in America. Child labor, poverty, and cultural prejudice combined with the mystery of the cat-goddess of Bastet, make this book a sure winner for children. Used as assigned summer reading, as a class study, or independent literature, ALL THE CATS OF CAIRO is enjoyable thought-provoking.

The first novel specifically for young adults by published author Inda Schaenen, All the Cats in Cairo is an adventure in which Maggie, an ordinary 13-year-old girl, receives contact from the mysterious cat goddess of ancient Egypt, Bastet. With the aid of the goddess' many cat disciples, and the friendship of an Egyptian boy, Maggie must uncover a terrible evil secret within Egypt, one that could sap its very life force. All the Cats of Cairo comes alive with its vibrant setting and its harmonious blend of twenty-first century modernity and mystic wonder. Highly recommended for teen cat lovers.

Over the past few years I have been very interested in the history of the Ancient Near East and have read a number of scholarly books on the subject of ancient Canaan & Israel, Egypt of the Pharaohs, Cyprus, Ebla, the Hittites, Babylonians, Assyrians, and the Sumerians. But many of these are at least 25 years old, and I thought it was time to bring myself up-to-date with the latest developments, as well as reading modern translations of the important ancient documents. To that end, I recently purchased this book, plus "Ancient Iraq" by Georges Roux, and the two volumes of "The Ancient Near East - An Anthology of Text and Pictures" by James B Pritchard.

Fortunately, I read this book first! It was originally published in 1985, and the English translation by Donald G Schley was published in 1994. In the translator's words, Wolfram von Soden (who was born in 1908) was a master in the field of Assyriology, and the intention of the book, as the title states, is "an Introduction to the Study of the Ancient Near East". In making the text available in English, Professor Schley's aim is to provide a concise, yet comprehensive text for his classes in the ancient Near East, and one which could also serve as a background text for classes in biblical studies

For Professor von Soden the term "Ancient Orient" denotes ancient Western Asia without Asia Minor, but with Western Iran. That is to say the focus of the book is on the Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian empires for the period from 3000BC to about 500BC with some coverage of the Mittanians, Hurrians, Uruartians, Elamites, and Hittites where they impinge on these empires. There are separate chapters on each of the following topics, and his aim is to show what was has been accomplished in each of these selected themes:
Peoples and Cultures of the Ancient Orient
Writing and Systems of Writing,
The History of Ancient Western Asia - The Historical sources,
State & Society,
Nutrition & Agriculture
Artisanry
Trade and Commerce
Law
Sumerian and Babylonian Science
Religion and Magic
Literature
Building, Art, & Music

Did the book meet my expectations? Frankly, no! since I already have some familiarity with the topics covered - but that's not to criticise the quality or the content of the book, or that I don't need a periodic review of the subject. And from that point of view this book serves an admirable purpose. In addition, while it gives a clear indication as to how much is known on these themes, it is also very clear on the limits of that knowledge. It has, therefore, innumerable suggestions for further specialist studies which can be of great help in pointing the determined student to focus his study on areas where there is still much uncertainty. But it is not (nor is it intended to be) a comprehensive treatment of the political history of these particular civilisations.

I found the book generally easy to read, and the single map at the back of the book sufficient for my understanding of the location of the various cities and archaeological sites. The book required a lot of concentration though, and to that end I had to develop a list of places, words, gods and goddesses to ensure that I could keep track of everything in my mind

Since the book only provides an overview of the history of the period, it would have been much more useful to me if I could have studied a book like this when I first started reading about these civilisations some 30 years ago. Therefore, there are no king lists or charts of historical timelines, but that's because the focus of the book is more on the way people lived rather than on political history as to who did what to whom.

It is not a heavily illustrated book, and the few pictures which do exist (mainly of the most significant artifacts) are scattered throughout the book, but, again, this does not detract from the quality of the book. Finally, there are about 75 books cited in the selected bibliography most of which were published in the period 1970 to 1990. Since I am familiar with only a handful of the authors so cited, I have innumerable possibilities for further study on this subject.

In summary I think this is a very good book for students who are starting out on their studies of the ancient Near East, and a good review book for those whose knowledge of the subject has primarily been gained by self study.

Very, very interesting. Though hard to read if one is not familiar with the local wording/jargon.

This text is an incisive overview of the entire sweep of ancient Near Eastern studies. Particularly valuable is the section on philology and the extent to which various available texts have or have not yet been translated. It is directly useful as a core text for coursework in any aspect of Mesopotamian civilizations.

Angkor is, indubitably, one of the most magical places on earth and it has captured the imagination of many a photographer, poet and writer. Candee's travelogue vividly portrays an Angkor of yesteryear, an enjoyable read for those looking for historical color and insights into the truly magnificent ruins of Angkor, Cambodia. A true pioneer, Candee writes well and one is inspired by her life and thankful that she recorded her travels in the early part of the last century.
A great read! Highly recommended.

For most people, Angkor is about their own encounters with the stones as much as it is about the stones themselves. The personal experience colors the objective assessment ... and so it should. In 1981 I had the privilege, of being part of the second western journalistic team to visit Angkor after the Pol Pot years -- I was writing for Smithsonian magazine; and National Geographic, I am sorry to say, beat us by a week. There were Vietnamese military officers staying at the Grand Hotel in Siem Reap then, drinking too much cognac. They assumed I was Russian and proposed toasts, in slurred French, to Soviet-Vietnamese friendship. That night mortar shells landed outside the hotel ... but nothing about that alcohol-and-explosive-fuelled night impressed me as much as seeing Angkor the next day. To clamber around on the faces of the Bayon, to feel the weight of the stones pressing down on each other, to be lost in the orchestral chorus of jungle insects and gibbons was to be brought into some realm that was both eternal and unforgettable.
Angkor the Magnificent is about the encounters Helen Churchill Candee had early in the 20th century. Others came to Angkor before and now, of course, with jet planes landing at Siem Reap, the volume of visitors is larger than ever before in history. This is a charming book. It stands up well to the passing of decades, and I for one am grateful that the remarkable Kent Davis has brought it back into print.
Roger Warner, author of Angkor: The Hidden Glories; Surviving the Killing Fields; and other books about Cambodia and Laos.

Once again, Kent Davis has been able to convey his love and respect for the history of Cambodia through this beautifully written book. Angkor the Magnificent makes one feel as if you are in Cambodia riding an elephant during the 1920's. I have been magically transported into this exotic beautiful world.

Mr. Davis surprises readers with a biography of Mrs. Helen Churchill Candee. What a fascinating life she must have had as a liberated woman in the early 20th Century. From surviving the Titanic disaster to exotic and primitive travel, Mrs. Candee is an inspiration to 21st Century women.

Angkor the Magnificent is of equal quality to the other Cambodian books published by Mr. Davis: Cambodian Dancers and Earth in Flower.

If you are interested in Asian history, this book is a must read!

A well-written, finely researched book on a critical but otherwise unnoticed player in international terrorism. What is most interesting is Al-Suri's diverse history of terror cell membership and the resulting network of international links he maintained. This book is more than a biography. By reviewing Al-Suri's life, from his ideology, travel and marital choice, the book outlines a blueprint of "serious" terrorists that has been closely mirrored by many other hardcore jihadists in Al-Qa'ida and other groups. Most interesting is Al-Suri's shift from gun-toting combatant to ideological propagandist and his lasting influences. Though Bin Laden is "the face" of modern terrorism, this book leads the reader to question if the most dangerous players have yet to be identified.

In a fascinating tale of a fascinating individual this book delves deep into the soul of the Jihadist, learning about him, showing us his seminal work, which was 1,600 pages, and shedding lihgt on the man who theorized the global Jihad that threatens so many people today. This was not the Marx of Islamism or the Lenin. This was the Trotsky, the man who understood 'War Islamism' and how individualized Islamic cells of only a few men could spread havoc and take the war to the enemy on ground of the Islamists own choosing. Although Abu Mus'ab al-Suri, whose middle name was Sethmarriam, was not a latter day Sun Tzu or Clauswitz, her might have been. Alleged to have been killed in the snowy hills of the Pashtun, his wareabouts are actually unknown.

A fascinating book about Islamist history, about the birth and making of the Islamist and the strategy of Islamism. He was truly an architect of the international terrorist revolution.

Seth J. Frantzman

Required reading for anyone wanting to better understand the past organizations and efforts of the jihadists and an insight into possible future organizational structure for the terrorist networks. The translations of key sections of the "Global Islamic Resistance Call" of Al-Suri's 1,600 page book shows his well thought out, objective case for his idea of a global Islamic resistance design, or for that matter anyone wishing to cause chaos in today's world. You have to understand the enemy to defeat him because a leaderless resistance would be one of the longest, hardest battle this nation, or any others confronted with this threat, will have to fight. A fight that will take an unfailing determination and focus. A fight of generations to discredit the jihadist propaganda and let the true voices of the areas afflicted with this disease to be heard.

I enjoyed this biography of Ariel Sharon. The author, Uri Dan, had been a close friend of Sharon's and had insight into Sharon's thoughts. Much of the book is based on interviews Dan had with Sharon. Uri Dan did not mince words with Sharon about the Gaza pullout and other decisions that were controversial.
The book was written recently and is fairly current. I found the book to be an easy read and recommend it for those that want to learn about Ariel Sharon.

Great insider's view, and basically an awesome history of the entire state of Israel. Well worth the read.

This book is the story of a friendship, between a journalist and a major military and political figure. The focus however is on the life, and most importantly public actions of one of the great leaders of modern Israel, Ariel Sharon. The book traces the career of Sharon from the Israeli War of Independence in 1948 to his final actions as Prime Minister of Israel when on January 2, 2006 Sharon suffered a massive disabling stroke. A short while later Uri Dan himself came down with terminal cancer and passed away before his revered friend.
Dan was for many years accused in Israel of being only a 'yes-man' for Sharon. But that is hardly the case. The book is filled with instances of disagreement in which Dan openly as good friend gave Sharon his critical advice.The greatest difference was in Sharon's decision to make a unilaterial disengagement from Gaza in the summer of 2005. It is interesting that in an earlier section of the book Sharon explains why two of the settlements which were removed were of vital security significance.
The overall story however is not focused on differences of opinion, but rather on cooperative action in service of a cause and ideal - end both Dan and Sharon believed in with all their hearts, the founding and defending of the state of Israel. It is their total committment to this cause which was at the heart of their friendship.
Sharon's deeds are so numerous and legendary that it is difficult to know where to begin to chronicle them. He is of all the great Israeli modern soldiers Dayan, Rabin, Meir Har- Tsion, Avigdor Kahalani the one who is great at at every level of operation. He is the founder of the 101 Unit which combatted Arab terror in the fifties. He was the one who formulated the Israeli battle- orders by which an officer ideally goes forward first always saying 'After me" He illustrated more than one time the principle of not leaving wounded soldiers behind . He was of all the Israeli military leaders the one who truly understood the futility of static defense, the Bar- Lev line, and the one whose turnaround action in crossing the Suez Canal in October 1973 turned an Israeli military defeat into a victory.
Dan was not an armchair journalist but trained specially so as to be able to accompany Sharon on the field of battle. His descriptions of Sharon's control and command , his low sure voice at the most critical moments of battle help explain why Sharon's soldiers so loved and trusted him.
Dan gives a lot of space here to Sharon's controversial part in the First Lebanon War. He makes a strong case that the Kahane commission and Chief Justice Barak did a great injustice in blaming Sharon for what the soldiers of the Phalangists did to the Palestinians. Dan also describes the famous libel suit in which Sharon unprecedentedly won a retraction from the American magazine 'Time'.
Sharon has been not only a major military but a major political figure in Israel. He was instrumental in helping found the Likud which in 1977 became the basis of the first non- Labor party led government in Israel. Dan also tells the story of Sharon's massive election victory over Ehud Barak and his struggle to restore badly damaged Israeli security which had come in the wake of the Oslo process.
Without going into the family story at great length Dan touches upon major events such as the loss of Sharon's first wife , the death in a shooting accident of his eleven year old oldest son. Dan also indicates what was a well- known public fact in Israel Sharon's very successful marriage to Lily who was his principal help and source of support. Though Dan does not speculate upon this many believe that her death from cancer had a deleterious effect on Sharon's political policies.
Insiders , and close- followers of Israeli politics will note certain emphases and omissions in the book. Dan gives great credit to one Sharon adviser Aryeh Genger while saying next to nothing about the person thought to be Sharon's right- hand man in his last few years, Dov Weisglas. Dan does not say much about the role of Omri Sharon and his influence on his father's politics. He mentions without comment Omri's conviction for election- fraud.
The book contains narrative sections interspersed with interviews with Ariel Sharon. In these we again see his fighting spirit, his optimism, his dedication to and concern for the security of Israel, his committment to the Jewish people.
Sharon was by some affectionately and by some pejoratively called in Israel, 'The Bulldozer' He was time and again whether it was in founding the whole settlement movement , or removing Yamit from Sinai the one who could do what no one else would do. Instructively in an early conversation with Ben- Gurion cited in the book, Sharon is asked about Moshe Dayan's appointment as Minister. Sharon says then that he thinks that Dayan is suitable for every position, save one, Prime Minister. And this because Sharon says Dayan tends to avoid taking responsibility. Sharon of course was the opposite of this. He took responsibility and more than responsibility for countless actions taken in the defense of Israel. At times he was ( During the Lebanese War) the most vilified person in Israel.In his last years he was the greatly esteemed leader who would have won reelection in 2006 had he not been incapacitated.
Uri Dan's last words in this book tell about his reaction to the news of Sharon's second and finally disabling stroke. He said that he began to cry and has been crying ever since.

The Art of Syrian Cookery is available and can be ordered immediately. The book has a new title called "Food from Biblical Lands". The author went into the concordance of the Old and New Testament and mentions ingredients in her recipes that existed since biblical times, thus the new title. All the recipes in Helen Corey's original Art of Syrian Cookery can be found in Food from Biblical Lands. Her original book was on DoubleDay's best seller list for 24 years. Her new title, now in its third print won first place in the nation by the National Fed. of Press Women's contest out of 1700 books submitted. Judges comments: "Corey successfully makes dishes enticing, appetizing and easily understood. Directions clear enough for inexperienced cooks to want to try them. Excellence in abundance of recipes and photos." "She makes preparing dinner for 6 or 100 seem effortless."

Basic cooking, easy to read simple in concept and has been a foundation for preparing ethnic food for our children and children's children. Needs to be re-generated for the future. Thanks to Helen Corey for keeping a link to our roots and family values. Book recipes puts Big Mac's to shame!!

I not only have a first edition of this book, but also Food from Biblical Lands, which is an update of The Art of Syrian Cookery and so much more. The recipes are easy to prepare - with many step by step food photos. I don't know of any other book that is true to the foods of Syria and Lebanon in taste and ingredients. I can't wait until I get a copy of Helen Corey's newest video cooking tape on The Art of Syrian and Lebanese cooking. I had the pleasure of previewing it at a friend's house recently and I love her method of preparation and detailed explanation of ingredients to use (i.e.) burghul, which kind to buy - how to make yogurt in the micro-wave, etc. It will go hand in hand with my cookbook Food from Biblical Lands where she gives a complete background of the origination of Yogurt and its health benefits. And one of my favorite desserts, Ricotta cheese pastries, which I can also fix for diabetics. Her video also shows this step by step preparation and a colorful array of foods as seen in her book. And how easy it is to make flat bread on the grill (her newest method - so easy!)This is the most authentic book ever written on Middle Eastern cookery, now called "Food from Biblical Lands" I'm proud to have this in my collection.

Wonderful illustrations. Up-tu-date analyses & comments. For amateurs and specialists as well.

A magnificent volume, for those who might be interested in the miriad small and large details pertaining to the earliest artifacts of those primordial history writing civilizations. A great many details as to the History, Physical conditions, Geography, Economics, Foreign relations, Art, Religion, Litterature, Iconography, Archaeology and so on, both textual and visual. A most interesting book for those interested in the cradle of civilisation.

This is a superbly illustrated and written book, with photographs of renown artifacts from museums around the world, and even more outstanding essays by relevant scholars. I suspect anyone interested in Ancient Art from the formative stages (3000-2000 BCE) of the world's first civilizations will enjoy reading this book.

This ancient classic of 13 chapters was written over 2,500 years ago by the legendary Chinese general Sun Tzu. It is a must have for military buffs that enjoy reading about the tactics of the most succesful generals. It is rumored that Napoleon used a French translation of the Art of War to his advantage while conquering most of Europe, and he lost when he broke its principles.
The principles that are with in this ancient text can also be used in games of strategy, business conflicts, and the day to day battles of life.
Here are ten principles to give you a sample of the wisdom found in its pages:

Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance with out fighting.

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.

Spies are the most important element in war, because upon them depends an army's ability to move.

All warfare is based on deception.

The general who wins a battle makes many calculations before the battle is fought.

There is no instance of a country having benefited from a prolonged war.

The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined energy, and does not require too much from individuals.

In war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.

When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. (So they can retreat).

Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained, fight not unless the position is critical.

Taken as a whole this is a book of wisdom and principles on how to win. I rank it in my top ten books I have ever read. It is a must have for any home library. The is a very small book that is quick and easy to read.

There's not much to say. It's a great hardcover edition of a must-read for just about everyone out there.

Very well put together book. You get the original translated Art Of War put into an easy to read Chapter/Verse format followed by a very useful and well written commentary. Giles really did a great job of putting together a top notch book.

A classic and must have for any collector.

A very well written and informative book. The author has a strong point of view, but is not overly strong in presenting it.

Meticulously researched and full of detail. Very well presented and useful for novices and academics.

A must read for those interested in the history of the Middle East or anxious to understand current events. I give it the highest possible recommendation.

This book is a must in the library of any one who is interested in the fate of peoples who are threatened of extinction. It's the result of an unprecedented effort of the many tours undertaken by Frederick Aprim in several countries where there's a presence for the Assyrian people. He endeavored to employ the energy of his thoughts to accomplish a monumental task and not merely a set of texts but rather a scientific research analyzed in an intelligent method, whereby the author mentions many errors and comments personally on them in a very logic manner.

The author dealt with the truth about the identity, language, land, studied the Assyrian community and its continuous national existence highlighting the greatness of the Assyrian perseverance since the fall of the Assyrian Empire in a transparent yet well built manner.

The author also turned the undisputable references into proper supports for the Assyrian thought. Thus, this book was born to be a source which would refute the theories that lead the Assyrian people to being marginalized in their identity, equality with others, right of self determination, and the schemes which distorted the Assyrian people's civilized image which was present even before the birth of Christ.

While waiting for Frederick Aprim's next book that will deal with the persecution of the Assyrian Nation in modern history, we recommend reading "Assyrians: The Continuous Saga".

Ashor Giwargis - Beirut

This book is a must in the library of any one who is interested in the fate of peoples who are threatened of extinction. It's the result of an unprecedented effort of the many tours undertaken by Frederick Aprim in several countries where there's a presence for the Assyrian people. When I accompanied him in one of those trips, I saw an Assyrian person who was able to overcome the process of melting within the sea of Diaspora. He endeavored to employ the energy of his thoughts insisting steadfastly to obtain details and documents in every area we visited so that to accomplish a monumental task and not merely a set of texts but rather a scientific research analyzed in an intelligent method, whereby the author mentions many errors and comments personally on them in a very logic manner.

The author dealt with the truth about the identity, language, land, studied the Assyrian community and its continuous national existence highlighting the greatness of the Assyrian perseverance since the fall of the Assyrian Empire in a transparent yet well built manner.

The author also turned the undisputable references into proper supports for the Assyrian thought. Thus, this book was born to be a source which would refute the theories that lead the Assyrian people to being marginalized in their identity, equality with others, right of self determination, and the schemes which distorted the Assyrian people's civilized image which was present even before the birth of Christ.

While waiting for Frederick Aprim's next book that will deal with the persecution of the Assyrian Nation in modern history, we recommend reading "Assyrians: The Continuous Saga".

Ashor Giwargis - Beirut

For those of us in the peace movement, this highly educational and important account of the U.S. invasion and occupation of Vietnam should be required reading as it vividly exposes the brutal methods the U.S. ruling-class will employ to crush progressive movements for national liberation and economic democracy in the global south. As always, Noam Chomsky provides illuminating political analysis of U.S. foreign policy and global capitalism. Also, because this book incorporates reflections from his own extensive travels throughout the region, it has the added bonus of being extremely readable and fast-paced. Read this book not only to understand our shameful past, but to better understand our present situation in Iraq and elsewhere.

I received this book by being a friend of AK Press (something everyone who is interested in these types of books should look into). Even though Chomsky, who is incredibly accessible this time around, is writing about what occured in Vietnam, the parallels to today's Iraq situation are amazing.

As always, Chomsky's work makes you think and reasses what you think you know. War time strategies are dissected, and national policy is put under a microscope. Indochina, which Chomsky points out is merely an extension of what America has been doing since its formation, was a hotbed of experimental warfare, both in technique and technology. Compare that to Iraq today, and you get the same picture.

If you care about the world situation, you need to read this book. And if you enjoy it, think about becoming a friend of AK Press.

If you are familiar with the ideas of Noam Chomsky, this book will come as no surprise to you. He puts forth essentially the same arguments that he did in his earlier offering, _American Power and the New Mandarins_. Chomsky writes about the war in Asia by talking about U.S. action in various southeast Asian countries and the resistence that springs up against it. The most interesting essays are the ones about Laos and North Vietnam because these writings have emerged from Chomsky's own trip to the region. He is essentially reporting on what he saw during his time on the ground. These chapters are the most convincing in the book because of this aspect, and they are the element that makes this book worth buying. I'm not sure under what circumstances Chomsky was able to travel to these war zones, but his record of the trip is filled with empathy and heartbreak. He is a polemicist at the top of his game, giving what appears to be a fairly honest account of what he saw. I found the book to be enlightening and powerful. Another good offering from one of the harshest critics of U.S. foreign policy.