The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

By David E. Long and Sebastian Maisel

Book Overview

"A book full of insights into a complex and often misunderstood society which has so far managed to reconcile the secularizing influences of modern technology with its strong religious traditions. . . . Sophisticated and penetrating." -- International Journal "Will undoubtedly become the new reference work on Saudi Arabia, and is accessible enough for undergraduates to use." -- Middle East Studies Association Bulletin "With succinct chapters on Saudi geography and people, history and politics, oil and development, foreign and security politics, and a particularly fine essay on the hajj, Long's book is remarkably successful in providing a feel for this country of startling contrasts and anomalies. . . . This short and readable handbook is an extraordinary resource for up-to-date information and fair-minded interpretation . " -- Choice This second edition has been thoroughly revised and updated, and includes new chapters on tradition and modernity and on Islam and society. It features extensive analysis of the substantial political, economic, and social changes that have taken place in the past ten years, including 9/11, the U.S. war on terror, the Saudi war on terror, oil pricing, and technological advancements.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0813035112
• ISBN13: 9780813035116
• Release Date: September 2010
• Publisher: University Press of Florida
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.5" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Succinct Review

This slender book appears to be the published version of a thesis. It covers in brief but reasonably complete form the several aspects of Saudi Arabia, its history, the governing family, the economy, politics, the oil story, the Hajj and security. Its prognostications for the future seem reasonable. I was forced to question its accuracy in every category when I found the date of Abdul Aziz's decease given as 1950. Many have followed the leader in stating that he was born in 1880, as does Long, but it is was in fact the year 1876, probably in October or November, that he first saw light and he died in 1953.. The photographs are reproduced on the text stock, thus reducing their intrinsic value.I find the book overpriced. Its page total is 154, which is less than the total given in the blurb.

Best book I have ever read.

A high level writing I have ever meet. I hope every people will introduce with this book to acquire knowledge about SAUDI ARABIA.

Best book I have ever read.

I high level writing I have ever meet. I hope every people will introduce with this book to acquire knowledge about SAUDI ARABIA.