A Concise History of the Middle East

"This revision and update of A Concise History of the Middle East makes it once again the premier

text for the study of the Middle East. Goldschmidt and Davidson's well-written and solidly argued

analyses of the most important and crucial developments of Middle East history and politics from

the time of Muhammad to the US war against and occupation of Iraq could not be timelier.

Written with verve and clarity, revised chapters...deal in depth with some of the most important

developments of Middle East and world history in the twentieth and twenry-firsi centuries—the

Palestine-Israel conflict, the islamic revolution in Iran, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, the US

war against Iraq, the reasons for terrorism, and Middle Eastern peoples' strivings for democracy. It

will be a favorite of students and professors alike."

—Rub.; Middle East and Islamichisti versityof Kenruck)

"Both informative and interesting, Davidson and Goldschmidt's Concise History challenges

conventional Western perceptions of the Near East by providing both a rich history and a rich

understanding of contemporary Near Eastern issues. With its detail and description. Concise

History is an excellent reference to all students and distinguished scholars alike."

—Anthony A. Maalouf, student, West Chi

"The best single source I have found to introduce undergraduates to the Middle East."

— i.,

"An invaluable introduction and a useful reference book for the nonspecialist."

—Journal of Palestine Studio

The eighth edition of Arthur Goldschmidt's widely acclaimed text has been extensively revised to

reflect the latest scholarship and the most recent events in the Middle East. As an introduction to

the history of this turbulent region from the beginnings of Islam to the present day, the book is

distinguished by its clear style, broad scope, and balanced treatment. Written for undergraduate

college students, the text assumes no prior knowledge of Middle Eastern history. It focuses on the

evolution ol Islamic institutions and culture, the influence of the West, the modernization efforts

of Middle Eastern governments, the struggle of various peoples for political independence, the

course of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the reasscrtion of Islamic values and power, the aftermath ol the

Gulf War, and issues surrounding the Palestinian Question. The eighth edition brings new discussion

to the post-9/1 I political developments and surveys terrorism in the Middle East, the Iraq War,

and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

ARTHUR GOLDSCHMIDT JR. is professor emeritus of Middle East history at

Pennsylvania State University. He is the author of Modern Egypt: Foundation of a Nation-State,

Second Edition, also from Westvicw. He is the recipient of the Amoco Foundation Award for

Outstanding Teaching and the 2000 Middle East Studies Association Mentoring Award.

LAW R ENC 1 1 » AV I D SON is professor of history at West Chester University. Me is the author

of several books including America's Palestine and Islamic Fundamentalism.

Jacket photograph © CORBIS

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