A Concise History of the Middle East (7th Edition)

Rating:
Summary: Biased, not well written, selective and incomplete
Review: A much better (and altruistic) book on the history of southwest Asia is "The Middle East" by Bernard Lewis. This book by Goldschmidt is hardly "concise" and very selective in what it discusses, and what is conveyed is incomplete and misleading information of partial truths. It's a shame history continues to be abused in subversively subtle ways as this book is guilty of. If you are serious about getting a good basic background of the "middle east" try Lewis' book mentioned above. It avoids bias, is not selective, and reads much more academically without personal opinions disguised as factual statements.

Rating:
Summary: A model for textbooks everywhere
Review: A rare and beautiful acheivement, Goldschmidt has produced a textbook that is both informative and interesting. His arguments are clear and well supported, and his breadth is commendable. Footnotes would have been nice, but the bibliographic essay is effective, I guess. My students actually do the readings, so who am I to be picky?

Rating:
Summary: A good reference book
Review: As with all the "concise histories" that have come before, Arthur Goldschmidt's offering follows the standard break-neck pace of storytelling. As a college text book I suppose this is adequate, but to read this as a narrative was maddening. I would consider this book only for it reference value.

Rating:
Summary: A detailed view of the diverse and rich history of the regio
Review: Dr. Goldschmidt's book is not only the perfect textbook, but a wonderful book as well. The author takes you through the diverse and rich history of the most disputed and news making region in the world. His detailed scope of the history dating back to pre-Islam begins to help the reader understand the conflicts which have plagued the Middle East for centuries. His love for the region and its history shine through in his word on the pages, which helps make this not just another dry history textbook. Highly recommended for someone who is either well versed in the Middle East or not.

Rating:
Summary: Very good beginner text
Review: Glodschmidt's History of the Middle east is perhaps the best introductory text for the study of M.E. history. It's well written in a very comprehensible style, has an excellent bibliography to facilitate further research and covers 1300 yeras of Midddle Eastern History. There are similar books by Hourani- excellent - but they probably require some background into the subject to be fully appreciated. So, this is the text I would recommend top the beginner.

Rating:
Summary: Very good beginner text
Review: Glodschmidt's History of the Middle east is perhaps the best introductory text for the study of M.E. history. It's well written in a very comprehensible style, has an excellent bibliography to facilitate further research and covers 1300 yeras of Midddle Eastern History. There are similar books by Hourani- excellent - but they probably require some background into the subject to be fully appreciated. So, this is the text I would recommend top the beginner.

Rating:
Summary: Dr. Goldschmidt's "A Concise History of the Middle East"
Review: Having to study this book for an undergraduate Middle East course, I was wearily annoyed at Dr. Goldschmidt's illuminated bias during the entire book. Chapter 3 alone is no where near a "history" but rather an author's editorial
justifying any and all actions of Muhammad, including the slaughter of Jews during the seventh century for not accepting the authority of Muhammad as a prophet or messiah, adultery, polygamy, theft and pre-emptive war in support of it all. Dr. Goldschmidt portrays the Western and Christian world as ignorant to understanding the great works of Muhummad and trys to pull any new student of the Middle East and Islam into his little realm of prejudices. Any humane Christian or Jew who reads this book will be outraged at Dr. Goldschmidt's justifications. I understand history is bias but history isn't insane. This book most certainly deserves no praise.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Start for Understanding the Middle East
Review: I'll admit I'm a bit biased because Dr. Goldschmidt was the professor for my introductory Middle East history class at Penn State more than 10 years ago. I enjoyed his book and his class so much, that I actually helped teach the class as a teachers assistant for a couple of years. This book is very, very readable and does a great job of explaining the progression of history, culture, feuds, wars, etc. that has led to the modern Middle East situation. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Start for Understanding the Middle East
Review: I'll admit I'm a bit biased because Dr. Goldschmidt was the professor for my introductory Middle East history class at Penn State more than 10 years ago. I enjoyed his book and his class so much, that I actually helped teach the class as a teachers assistant for a couple of years. This book is very, very readable and does a great job of explaining the progression of history, culture, feuds, wars, etc. that has led to the modern Middle East situation. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Rating:
Summary: Perfect beginner's book
Review: I've read Bernard Lewis and so many others, I can't remember them all. I spend a lot of my free time reading about the Middle East, as my family comes from Iraq. This is the one I recommend for those interested in a general overview of the Middle East without being bogged down by all the caliphs and names of tribes that make other books more complicated (and dull). Read this first, then if you want to delve into more detail this book will guide you to more in-depth reading material. If you know the Middle East very well, and understand its history, then move on. Most people do not know the M. East history as well as Goldschmidt, however, and his balanced view is refreshing.

I have given this book away as gifts and the recipients who read it have praised it.