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Faisal I of Iraq Ali A. Allawi

Faisal I of Iraq By Ali A. Allawi

Faisal I of Iraq by Ali A. Allawi


£13.00
Condition - Very Good
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Summary

The first major biography of the founder of modern Iraq, a charismatic champion of Arab independence and unity

Faisal I of Iraq Summary

Faisal I of Iraq by Ali A. Allawi

The first major biography of the founder of modern Iraq, a charismatic champion of Arab independence and unity

Born in 1883, King Faisal I of Iraq was a seminal figure not only in the founding of the state of Iraq but also in the making of the modern Middle East. In all the tumult leading to the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of new Arab states, Faisal was a central player. His life traversed each of the important political, military, and intellectual developments of his times.This comprehensive biography is the first to provide a fully rounded picture of Faisal the man and Faisal the monarch. Ali A. Allawi recounts thedramatic events of his subjects life and provides a reassessment of his crucial role in developments in the pre and postWorld War I Middle East and of his lasting but underappreciated influence in the region even 80 years after his death.A battle-hardened military leader who, with the help of Lawrence of Arabia, organized the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire; a leading representative of the Arab cause, alongside Gertrude Bell, at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919; a founding father and king of the first independent state of Syria; the first king of Iraqin his many roles Faisal overcame innumerable crises and opposing currents while striving to build the structures of amodern state. This book is the first to afford his contributions to Middle East history the attention they deserve.

Faisal I of Iraq Reviews

"A reverent, stirring life of the Arab nationalist, friend of T.E. Lawrence and first monarch of Iraq. Using a host of lost Arab voices in painting the portrait of Faisal I (18851933), the author fills a void in scholarship with this nuanced biography of a seminal figure in the shaping of the modern Middle East . . . A misunderstood sharif finds a worthy, erudite biographer in Allawi."Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review * Kirkus Reviews *

Faisal I of Iraq is a sympathetic but by no means uncritical portrait, drawing on all the available sources, in English and Arabic. It is unlikely to be dislodged as the standard treatment for some time to come.Christopher de Bellaigue, Financial Times

-- Christopher de Bellaigue * Financial Times *
Through his skilful use of Arabic as well as British sources, he portrays Faisal as a convincing multi-dimensional figure. . .This is the fullest portrait yet of a fascinating figure who played a significant role in the making of the modern Middle East.The Economist * The Economist *

[A]n important achievement and fully confirms that King Faisal was an outstanding Arab leader.Alan Rush, The Spectator

-- Alan Rush * The Spectator *
One of the strengths of Allawis book is that it ignores received ideas of imperialism and nationalism and shows the links, as well as conflicts, between them. . .This biography makes a compelling case that Faisal I, a foreign monarch born in the Hejaz, educated in Constantinople, imposed by Britain, was a better rule of Iraq than most Iraqi leaders.Philip Mansel, Literary Review -- Philip Mansel * Literary Review *
"This tome will hold the interest of both general readers and specialists, and is notable for being the first full-length biography of the monarch written in English."Publishers Weekly * Publishers Weekly *
'Ali Allawis Faisal I of Iraq is excellent and indispensable, effectively a history on the making of todays Middle East.'Simon Sebag Montefiore, Evening Standard -- Simon Sebag Montefiore * Evening Standard *
Shortlisted for the 2014 Slightly Foxed Best First Biography Prize -- Best First Biography Prize * Slightly Foxed *

About Ali A. Allawi

Ali A. Allawi is research professor, National University of Singapore. He was appointed Iraqs first postwar civilian Minister of Defense in 2004 and in 2005 was appointed Minister of Finance. This is his third book. He lives in London and Baghdad.

Additional information

GOR008526153
9780300127324
0300127324
Faisal I of Iraq by Ali A. Allawi
Used - Very Good
Hardback
Yale University Press
2014-02-05
672
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

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