100 Myths about the Middle East
Despite its somewhat glib title, this is a vastly informative (not to mention necessary) book. The author, a professor of international relations and an expert in the culture and history of the Middle East, challenges our perceptions and preconceived notions in multiple ways. Do people of the Middle East lack a sense of humor? No, they have a rich tradition of storytelling. Are Arabs a nomadic desert people? No, there are several metropolitan cities spread out on the Arabian Peninsula. The Middle East is not a feudal society, or a classless society, and it isn't constantly at war. Lawrence of Arabia was of little importance to the history of the region. And so on. The book is a valuable addition to post-9/11 political literature (it also contains a fascinating glossary of terms that have entered the language since the September 2001 terrorist attacks). Readers may leave the book wondering how Halliday managed to pack so much wisdom into such a small space.David PittCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.