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Classics
A History of Islamic Societies
Not concise, but a very good historical survey of Islam and Islamic societies. Generally well-written and generally good coverage of the entire Muslim world. Much more a political and social history of the Islamic world, as opposed to Farah, which is more a history of Islam as a religion. Good choice for a single-book purchase.
Posted by Tamerlane at 02:57 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Colonising Egypt
One of the (now) classic studies that uses deconstruction theory to examine how colonization affected all aspects of society, and argues that the physical effects are not the most important ones. E-book version available here.
Posted by Tamerlane at 07:36 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The Middle East: A History
Good general history of the region. Exemplary college textbook.
Posted by raf* at 06:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The Arab Awakening
The Ur-tome of Arab nationalists, it is required reading for everyone interested in the MENA region, as its (nationalist) story and internal logic shape every contemporary discourse, be it secular or religious.
Posted by raf* at 06:16 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
A History of the Arab Peoples
One of the classic volumes, written by one of the great men of Arab history. However, both its focus on "ethnic" history and its starting point with the era of the prophet Muhammad (were there no "Arabs" before the 6th century CE?) make it a problematic study.
Posted by raf* at 06:09 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
The Venture of Islam
Lapidus on steroids in some respects. Denser prose, less complete coverage (Africa and Southeast Asia in particular are slighted), and a bit dated in some places. But a more thorough political and particularly social history of the MENA than Lapidus.
Posted by Tamerlane at 06:05 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
