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A Concise History of the Middle East, Ninth Edition cover art

A Concise History of the Middle East, Ninth Edition

By: Arthur Goldschmidt Jr., Lawrence Davidson
Narrated by: Tom Weiner
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Publisher's Summary

The ninth edition of this 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. It focuses on the evolution of Islamic institutions and culture, the influence of the West, the modernization efforts of Middle Eastern governments, the struggle for political independence, the course of the Arab-Israeli conflict, the roles of Iraq and Iran in the post-9/11 Middle East, and more.

Arthur Goldschmidt, Jr., is professor emeritus of Middle Eastern history at Pennsylvania State University. He is the author of Modern Egypt: Foundation of a Nation-State and the recipient of the Amoco Foundation Award for Outstanding Teaching and the 2000 Middle East Studies Association Mentoring Award.

Lawrence Davidson is a professor of history at West Chester University. He is the author of several books, including America’s Palestine and Islamic Fundamentalism.

©2010 Westview Press (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

Critic Reviews

“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 Eastern history and politics…could not be timelier.” (Robert Olson, University of Kentucky)
“I can only offer unmixed praise for the new edition of A Concise History of the Middle East….Sparklingly clear and straightforward for even the ‘general reader.’…Remarkable.” (Mark Seifter, Lehigh Carbon Community College)
“Well-organized, comprehensive, balanced, and exceptionally readable….The authors blend significant historical detail with timely political analysis in a cogent style that is compelling and lucid.” (Donald Wagner, North Park University, Chicago)

What listeners say about A Concise History of the Middle East, Ninth Edition

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Surprisingly, very Pro-Islam - wasted credit.

with what is happening in this region, I wanted to find out more about the history of the region... I got that, but it was sort of like watching a 1950's US War movie, where the goodies are the height of virtue, whilst the Germans are evil to the bone... only in this book it is Islam that is the all virtuous side.

I persevered because the underlying facts were in there and I was learning something, but the pro Islam slant became too much which turned listening into a choir that I just had to grind through.

do yourself a favour (unless you want a pro-Islam look at history) and find another source

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More about Islam than Middle Est

Didn't really enjoy it, quite dry, from a particular perspective that wasn't detailed in the summary

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Brilliant and great narration

From start to finish a wonderful history and such a good narrator that makes this book one of my faves for sure.

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A great book in all senses.

Clear and well structured. Informative and interesting. A big Thank you to the author and the narrator! Will listen to it again.

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