Introduction; 1. Society and politics (1744–1818 and 1824–91); 2. The emerging state (1902–1918); 3. Control and loyalty; 4. The politics of dissent (1953–73); 5. From affluence to austerity (1973–90); 6. The Gulf War and its aftermath (1990–2000); 7. Narratives of the state, narratives of the people; Conclusions.
An intimate portrait of a closed and enigmatic society.
Madawi Al-Rasheed is Senior Lecturer in Social Anthropology at King's College, University of London. Her publications include Politics in an Arabian Oasis (1991) and Iraqi Assyrian Christians in London (1998).
'Madawi al-Rasheed's critical reinterpretation of Saudi Arabian
history is not only timely, it is provocative. It is informed by
both excellent scholarship and a familiarity with the subject that
comes from knowing it from the inside. Both sympathizers with and
critics of the country will find their stereotypes of the Saudi
reality challenged.' F. Gregory Gause, III, University of
Vermont
'Madawi Al-Rasheed's book, just hot from the printing press, is
most welcome because it contributes to the fulfilment of the
critical need for scholarly works on Saudi Arabia. … This book is
eminently readable, well researched and, in important parts,
original. Al-Rasheed's points are argued cogently and her
interpretation of Saudi history, which challenges conventional
wisdom with new perspectives, will keep the reader's mind
continually alive.' The Journal of Energy Literature
'… this is a lucid and accessible introduction to, and
interpretation of, Saudi Arabia's political history.' International
Affairs
'This is a rich and rewarding study which will be invaluable to
academic specialists, students, journalists, policy makers, and to
all those trying to understand the enigma of Saudi Arabia.' Archiv
Orientální
'Madawi Al-Rasheed's History of Saudi Arabia is a refreshingly
iconoclastic book … As far as I know, the 'true story' has, not
been previously told in quite such critical and well-footnoted
detail.' Peter Sluglett, American Historical Review
'… subtle and complex … This is one of the most refreshing,
well-researched and clearly-written books to appear on Saudi Arabia
in recent times … nowhere have I read a more analytic and
innovative treatment of the making of the Saudi state. Librarians,
please take note: this book is essential to well-stocked libraries
everywhere in the world.' Bulletin for the Royal Institute of
Inter-Faith Studies
'Al-Rasheed's book appears at an apposite time when Western
interest in Saudi Arabia has never been greater.' Asian Affairs
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