This book discusses the relationship between the Maldivian people and the environment of their islands. Webb highlights the lives of local residents, their livelihoods, particularly in the fishing sector, and their adaptation to the conditions of the atoll ecosystem and coral reefs. It also discusses island ecology, including vegetation, marine biodiversity, and environmental challenges such as…
Explores the historical, cultural, and intellectual interactions between Japan and the West. Through a series of essays, Kuwabara analyzes how Japanese society received, adapted, and reinterpreted Western ideas in fields such as philosophy, education, politics, and social organization. He highlights the contrasts between Japanese cultural traditions and Western rationalism, while emphasizing th…
On November 20, 1979, hundreds of Islamist militants led by Saudi preacher Juhayman al-Otaybi stormed and seized the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Islam’s holiest site, trapping tens of thousands of worshippers inside. The siege lasted two weeks and resulted in hundreds of deaths, in an event that was largely ignored by the global media at the time. Trofimov draws on newly declassified documents and…
Peter Mansfield's book, The New Arabians, examines the historical, cultural, religious, and social changes experienced by the people of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Mansfield highlights how the Gulf Arab states were previously overlooked by the West until the discovery of vast oil reserves in the region. The 1973 oil embargo brought global attention to the…
Originally published in 1980. Pakistan is worthy of our concern. Noble intentions breathed life into the Pakistan dream, but the country has been stalked by tragedy from its inception. This volume was conceived to serve a variety of reader categories and it should meet the needs of teachers and students engaged in the study of Pakistan.
The Kingdom is a vivid historical and sociopolitical portrait of Saudi Arabia, exploring the extraordinary rise and consolidation of the Al Saud family. Lacey traces how a once-nomadic clan transformed itself into a powerful monarchy, deeply rooted in Islamic tradition yet shaped by modern forces. Through detailed narrative, he examines the country’s religious foundations, tribal structures, …
The book provides a revealing account of the emergence and consolidation of the Saudi royal family as one of the most influential dynasties in the Middle East. It traces the historical roots of the House of Saud, their alliance with Wahhabi religious leaders, and their rise to power in the Arabian Peninsula. Through political analysis and investigative reporting, the book examines how the famil…
The Sacred Lands presents an illustrated and historical overview of the holiest sites of Islam located in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly Mecca and Medina. The book highlights their religious significance, the development of the sacred precincts, and the spiritual traditions associated with pilgrimage. Through descriptive narrative and visual documentation, it offers readers a deeper …
This book provides a comprehensive historical and cultural portrait of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It explores the geography, cities, and tribal structure of the country, and examines the lives of its people from nomadic Bedouins to modern urban dwellers. The authors trace the rise of the House of Saud, detailing how the kingdom was founded and how key figures like Ibn Saud shaped its identity…
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by William Facey provides a concise and informative overview of the historical, cultural, and geographical foundations of Saudi Arabia. The book traces the development of the Arabian Peninsula from its early tribal society to the rise of the Saudi state, emphasizing the role of Islam, the unification under King Abdulaziz, and the transformative impact of oil discover…