The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

By David E. Long and Sebastian Maisel

Book Overview

David Long's portrait of Saudi Arabia depicts the kingdom as one of the least understood countries in the world. This survey encompasses the many facets of Saudi life - the land and people, their religion and culture, the country's history, politics, economics and foreign policy. Drawing upon extensive firsthand experience of the kingdom, Long depicts the often contradictory impulses of a country committed both to modernization and to the values of a traditional society. Alongside his discussion of oil and the Saudi economy, for example, is a chapter on the annual Hajj, or pilgrimage, to Makkah.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0813014719
• ISBN13: 9780813014715
• Release Date: March 1997
• Publisher: University Press of Florida
• Length: 154 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 0.8" x 6.3"

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.