Middle East Books

I really enjoyed this book. I was not only drawn in by her skill as a writer, but the fascinating history of the Jewish people in Iraq. After reading Benjamin's book I also have a greater understanding for what is going on in Iraq today.

The book was extremely authentic in detail and provided an extensive and touching history of the babylonian jews who had lived in Iraq for hundreds of years and had proposered and reached a population of 125,000 prior to their dispora that began in the 1940s'.

Not only did the author provide historic detail and events by taking us through the well known street and shopping areas, and discussed many of the customs and practices of that era. She also touched on the remaining Jews in Bagdhad that lived under the constraints of Sadam Husseeinn's regime and refused to leave their homeland. This is a must read book for all descendants who are living all over trhe worlds and want to reach back anf learn of their heritage

Marina Benjamin chronicles the life of her grandmother, Regina Sehayek, an Iraqi Jewish woman along with the 20th century history of the Jews of Iraq from a once vibrant community of 140,000 to one that is now extinct. While this factual narrative has been meticulously researched, it reads like a novel and captures the readers attention from the very first page. Aside from chronicling the life of the Jews, Ms. Benjamin details the rise of Arab nationalism from the fall of the Ottoman Empire to the Baathist regime of Saddam Hussein and sheds some light on why the relationship between "cousins", Arabs and Jews, who once lived in relative harmony in what is now Iraq, has so badly deteriorated and why this important Jewish minority community was expelled after more than 2000 years in Babylon.

This is one of my favorite cookbooks and has been since it was first published. I am delighted to see it is still available. It is one of two or three cookbooks that I have used consistently for over a decade. It is lovely to read, lovely to look at, but most important, lovely to cook out of. It makes a wonderful gift, which is why I was searching Amazon for it.

How can you not love a book that practically devotes a whole chapter to dehen, or rendered lamb fat? This book is different from most Middle Eastern cookbooks, and focuses closely on one area and culture. Many of the recipes are unusual, surprisingly easy, and authentic. It provides a window on Lebanese (Druze?) culture in both the U.S. and the old country. The recipe for chicken with sumac in this book, may be for the limited time, effort and money required to put it together, one of the world's greatest dishes, and it deserves to be better known.

The food that's described in this book reminds us of everything good that the earth provides for our nourishment. This practical book, which expresses the author's beautiful soul, serves as a healing presence in the home. Its recipes are manageable and welcome all with open arms. I highly recommend it.

A really excellent book, a good "dictionary" which is the compendium of all recent knowledge about Mesopotamian civilizations.
D. E. Evangelidis - Author

This book is an introduction to ancient Mesopotamia with heavy emphasis on the art of the region. It is aimed for the armchair archaeologist and is not written for a professional in the field.

The book contains a variety of short (one or two page) topics with one or more relevent photographs on each page. The topics are to the point and give the reader the most important facts in a clear and highly readable manner. The photographs are well captioned, in fact most of the photos have several captions with a line extending from the caption to a specific detail in the picture that is being explained.

For example, the entry for Hammurabi is three pages long and has three color photos. One of the pictures has five captions which point out specific details about the crown, hair and beard styles and the finding of the statue in the picture. The text for this entry is one page long and tells the reader when Hammurabi ruled, what his major accomplishments were and what major ancient texts survive from his reign. Other entries in the book include brief biographies of other important kings, information about the major gods, and discussions about the legal system, religious festivals, jewelry, and art.

The photos in this book are in full color and are of high quality. There is also a collection of useful maps in the rear of the book and floor plans of the major buildings mentioned in the text.

My only complaint about the book is the fact that the binding does not allow the book to be opened flat. However, this book is still a very good survey of ancient Mesopotamia and is very reasoably priced.

This edition offers a well printed and well illustrated review (with a substantial bibliography) of the three great (yes!) civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia. Of special interest for Bible studies are the many reproductions of Assyrian and late Babylonian reliefs, statues, and paintings--some of them eerily redolant of contemporary Middle Eastern types ( a reminder of the shameful falsifications promulgated by Hollywood's biblical forays). Well translated from the Italian text with good color and full legend for each illustration (tho, alas, attribution for the superb Sumerian statue adorning the cover is tucked away in the text). Humbling in its reminder of the great achievements of these ancient civilizations (while Europe was doing what?...) that have so profoundly influenced Western culture, beliefs, science (flood stories and dear ol' Gilgamesh; astronomy; divisions by 60 of minutes, seconds, etc., etc.). The reader should bring a rudimentary knowledge of the time sequence of these civilizations. Father Abraham's splendid Ur of the Chaldeans receives a nicely illustrated discussion. A basic and valuable text, a labor of love and scholarship. By the way, a poignant entry describes the National Museum of Irag, in Baghdad, as "the leading museum in the Near East. Before it was damaged and sacked...."

Dr. Lewis has written yet another informative compilation about the Middle East. I only wish that he could have included more about Sultan Bayezid II and his acceptance of the Spanish Jews expelled by Ferdinand and Isabel; the Afghan Jewish community in Herat; or the travels of Joseph Wolf, 1795-1862.

I love this book. You read main primary sources from the last 2000 years, reflecting on West Europe-Islamic Asia/Africa relations and perceptions. The book can be read eclectically. It shed lights on how things were, and how they led us to where we are today!

I would like to start out by saying that I am a huge fan of Bernard Lewis. All of his books I have gotten my hands on thus far have been superb and this is no exception. In this case, Lewis opted to collect various writings and excerpts showing the interplay between the Middle East and the "west". After starting out with misconceptions and prejudices (on both sides), he goes on to show differing views on travel, government, society, arts, science and even food and drink. Interestingly enough, relatively little focused on the early period, despite the immense glory of Egypt, Persia, Mesopotamia and other Middle Eastern nations. There is a great deal of historical material though, including the early Islamic era, the Byzantine Empire and even the Roman Empire. Much of the material focused on the last few centuries though, which I suppose is natural given the increased contact between Europe and the Middle East. The sources come from a truely vast array. There are excerpts from the Qu'ran and the Bible, as well as sayings attributed to the Prophet Mohammad. These stand beside the works of Shakespeare, commentary by T.E. Lawerence ("Lawerence of Arabia") and Sir Richard Francis Burton, and messages delivered by Imam Khomeini. However, not all historical figures would be so well known to western ears. Excerpts from the great traveller ibn Battuta and the historian/philosopher ibn Khaldun also appear here. The vast amount of events and places is astounding. It records the Ottoman Empire at its height (indeed, many of the excerpts do deal with the Ottoman Turks), Napolean's entering north Africa, the Crimean War and the Crusades. Indeed, theres a small selection of passages dealing with the Assassin sect, of which Lewis has written an entire book. In addition, theres even a few pages which give some examples of words of Arabic, Turkish and Persian origin which have made their way into the English language.
The sheer volume of material contained within this book is simply amazing. Although they don't give as much information as one might like, the passages, excerpts and quotes included in this book provide windows into Middle Eastern life and history. Ultimately, I must strongly recommend that any student of Middle Eastern or Islamic history at least give this book a look. You won't regret it.

Obviously a very extensive and difficult topic to cover, I thought that the organization of the book made this book not only easy to read, but also incredibly informative. After reading the book, I felt that I had a good understanding of the history of the Middle East, the problems that have been overcome, and the issues still to be resolved. Would highly recommend.

This is an excellent, excellent book for the topic and coverage. Easily accessible and clearly written and organized, it is a pleasure to read. Some assumptions are made, but the short glossary can eliminate most of the problems with terms and vocabulary. The worst part is that there is not an updated version available in the two volume format. The authors do a superb job of linking themes, issues and personalities across the temporal and topographical space.

Fisher and Ochsenwald are extaordinary as they guide the reader through thousands of years of a truly fascinating history. They give tremedous insight on the development of Iraq, Iran and Saudi Arabia as well as the importance of the physical borders of the Middle east region. A Tremendous buy for Students as well as those interested in tracing their heritage's culture and progress. This is the best history book money can buy DON'T MISS OUT on a most incredible read!

This book blew me away. Fearless poetry.....that's all I can say. These poems are utterly proud, audacious, textured, & profound. If you are a lover of poetry, you will not be disappointed.

Some of the poetry in this volume are works that western readers would never have the privelege of reading and would have been otherwise deprived of the beauty of this work. A sensitive translation that involved each poet. Discover the voices of arab poets in this volume.

According to Jayyusi view, the cultural bias favoring the group over the individual remains constant, with the poet seen as "a worker producing for the group" with the poetic "product" limited by what the group can accept and utilize. Jayyusi believes poetry is thus driven by a social functionalism expressed in two main directions "one ideological of religious origin and the other musical, in the form of singing and tarab."

In other words, poetry must serve a cause, and ideology in the first case, while in the second, and in fact the more keenly felt and popularly enjoyed function, the purpose is sheer pleasure and jubilation. Ideally, the two functions concur--this is the goal of such a poetry.

Jayyusi emphasizes that "tarab," i.e. singing, remains fundamental, indeed intrinsic to Arabic poetry past and present. Poetic verse is always subject to this standard. "Don't we notice that the Holy Koran today, for example, is a matter of audition or tarab for most Muslims more than a matter of reading, and comprehension and contemplation," Adonis writes.

Jayyusi points out that the two elements, "song" and "function (the serving of a cause)" are so fundamental that any poetic expression not embracing them is culturally relegated to the status of "philosophy," something deemed complex and remote from the people. Thus, unrhymed, non-musical poetry, poetry based on "contemplation and examination of inner worlds" lies so outside Arabic poetic taste as to be utterly marginalized, removed from any but a tiny, refined audience.

Jayyusi sees a conflict between this cultural reality and his own conviction that poetry must challenge boundaries and establish new aesthetics. This poetic effort means embracing rather than spurning the difficulty and ambiguity of meaning. "The problem in this context, lies in the refusal of Arabic poetic taste to place poetry at par with the great cognitive and discovery intuitions."

As Jayyusi points out, poetry continues to be judged by the causes and concerns it champions, and by the author's affiliations and ideologies. "Original readings concern themselves not with the essence of poetry but with its 'soil' and the 'climate' in which it is produced."

This phenomenon, according to Adonis, will only be reinforced by society's increasing domination by the non-literate media, TV in particular. Thus, modern communications technology only serves the religious and social traditions already so profoundly established. This leads Adonis to an equally profound pessimism regarding the present and future chances of Arabic poetry to escape its traditional limitations.

This collection of e-mails, gives the reader a unique perspective into real life in the Middle East. I read a few each evening, give it a try!

I began writing Mondays in the Middle East from Bahrain in 1999 to relay cultural insights for a Midwestern radio station. I have tried to maintain two key principles during writing:

1. I want to be respectful of the religious beliefs of the Arab people.

2. I want to poke fun at myself and my own culture as much as I might poke fun at Arab culture.

Mondays in the Middle East is intended to open people's minds to more of life in the Middle East than they might otherwise know. It seems that the slant presented by the Western media has every Arab holding an AK-47 and a hand grenade. I want to present some of the real-life situations I've come across that give a different view and I want to do it with a bit of humor for all.

The Middle East in general has become an important region to understand not just because of the Iraq wars, but because Arab people are influencing the Western world like never before. My hope is that this book will give a new perspective of understanding to the Western reader with a healthy dose of light-hearted humor. Enjoy and have fun!

How wonderful to read about the good, fun people and lifestyle differences between the USA & MIDDLE EAST. It is truly a joy to read beyond the war torn life of that area of the world! This delightful book gives us an opportunity to see the likeness of God's people in different cultures. A quick enjoyable read!

This is excellent book, full of facts.
I congratulate the writer for this marvelous work.

This is excellent book, full of facts.
I congratulate the writer for this marvelous work.

...as a long standing student of Morocco I found this book focused and factually correct. Unlike some other books written about this country, 'Morocco Under King Hassan' provides a balanced picture that allows the reader to make his or her own judgements. If asked which books a student of Morocco should put at the top of their reading list I would start with Maxwell's 'Lords of the Atlas' and then Mr. Hughes' book.

Yoram Binur, an Israeli journalist fluent in Arabic from covering stories in the Arab areas of his country, decided to take on a fake identity as an Arab to get first-hand experience of the treatment Arabs receive from the Israeli police and society. He was convincing enough to be singled out for harassment and violence from the police, and he experienced subtle discrimination from everyday Israelis. He learned to really feel the terror Arabs in Israel feel every time an army vehicle approaches them, or even passes by their house at night, knowing they could legally be brutalized at any time for no reason. It was an eye-opening account from inside one of the most complex political situations on earth, and Binur always kept it personal and involving.

This is an incredible book. Yoram Binur provides an entirely new perspective to an old issue. The depth of maltreatment of Arab Palestinians in Israel has not been put into such a consise, unobstructed manner in the history of literature. Anyone who is interested in educating themselves about the Civil and Moral Rights violations which are taking place in Israel should definately read this book. Any advocate of justice, any person concerned with the fact that there are people being horribly mistreated anywhere in the world, and anyone looking for a cause to support or solidarity to offer those who are oppressed should start with this book.

It's funny how some books, no matter how well written or well balanced, still get attacked for what they present us.

Yoram Binur is a Jew who speaks Arabic and can pass for a Palestinian. As a journalist he decides to enter into that world to see how the other half lives. What he sees and feels cannot be debated, negated, ignored or even criticized. It just is.

What Yoram experienced was an everyday existance of discrimination from the Jewish Isrealies he encountered. He wasn't brutally attacked or beaten or spit upon at every corner. No, his story is far more subtle. What he describes is a life of an outcast, of what it feels like to be someone who's viewed as "less than," as the "other."

The routine details of this life are in fact some of the most important in the current debate about the situation in Israel. What Binur experiences is essentially the seed that has helped bring about the larger forms of violence with each side upping the ante. It doesn't start with a bulldozer destroying a Palestinian home. And it doesn't start with a Palestinian bombing a sidewalk cafe and killing a dozen innocent civilians. It starts with everyday hatred - and that's what Binur so clearly gives us.

We already know that some (not all) Palestinians refuse Israel's right to exist. What we need, as Americans who have blindly supported Israel no matter what it does, is to see how some Israelis (not all) haves refused the Palestinians a right to their homeland - and their dignity. Binur's book is a step in the right direction in learning that lesson.

I received this book today ... and I'm stunned ... don't hesitate, just order it ... put together by 2 individuals, each enlightened in his own unique way ... a king in exile, a monk, a man ... the other, an image maker, who sees with his soul, and lives for his craft ... about a land on top of the world, with history and culture as old and deep as the Himalayas are high ... the results are magical ... the photography and text flow from page to page ...

My husband bought this book to use the images of buddhist monks for a tattoo. He was going to leave it with the tattoo artist as a gift but decided to bring it home instead. I am so very glad he did!!!! I have become very interested in Tibetan Buddhism as well as the nature of the Tibetan land and people. Of all the information I have come across, this book is by far the most beautiful! The photography is stunning and the Dalai Lama's text is very moving. I highly recommend this to anyone who has an interest in Tibet or Buddhism. It is simply awe inspiring!

The photographs in this book are simply breathtaking. The daily life of the everyday Tibetan come across vividly. The commentary by the Dalai Lama gives insight to the photos. I don't know if I would want to ever move to Tibet, but this book made me realize that it's a beautiful country.