Bernard Lewis was a renowned historian specializing in the Middle East, whose influential works explored the region's complex history and contemporary challenges. He approached the subject with a deep understanding of its cultural and political dynamics, offering insightful analyses that resonated widely. Lewis's writings are characterized by their scholarly rigor and their ability to illuminate intricate historical narratives for a broad readership. His contributions significantly shaped the understanding of Middle Eastern affairs globally.
The book provides a comprehensive account of Swansea's experiences during World War II, highlighting its strategic significance as a target for Nazi attacks. It details the town's preparations for war, including air-raid shelters and anti-aircraft defenses, and examines the effects of conscription, food rationing, and the plight of Jewish refugees and evacuated children. The narrative explores the impact of air raids, particularly the devastating February 1941 attacks, and the community's responses to emergencies, drawing on extensive archival research and personal stories.
With the departure of imperial powers--and on its own for the first time in almost two centuries--the Middle East must now resolve its political, economic, cultural, and societal problems in order to advance its civilization. In this volume, historian Bernard Lewis discusses the future of the region in this new era: will its nations face cooperation and progress or a vicious cycle of poverty and ignorance? The author examines the most critical issues in detail. Oil may be the Middle East's most important export, but technology will eventually make it obsolete, he warns, leaving those who depend on oil revenues with a bleak future. Water will become a contentious issue between nations. The role of Turkey, Israel, and women in the region are the most potentially transformative factors. If freedom fails and terror triumphs, says Lewis, the peoples of Islam will be the first and greatest victims.
The astonishing story of Henry Coombe-Tennant (1913-89), who served in the
British Army in World War II, escaping from a POW camp, joining Special Forces
and aiding the French Resistance, before working for the British Secret
Service in Baghdad and ending his days as a Benedictine monk!
Exploring Islamic political thought, this collection features 11 essays by Bernard Lewis, a prominent figure in Middle Eastern studies. Renowned for his accessible writing, Lewis engages a diverse audience, including scholars, politicians, and journalists, making complex historical insights approachable for the general public. The essays reflect his deep understanding of the subject, offering valuable perspectives on the interplay between Islam and politics.
The Great War left an indelible mark on almost every town and village in Britain and this extensively researched book looks in detail at how that war affected the town of Swansea and its people. Themes covered in the book include recruitment and the treatment of conscientious objectors, how Belgian refugees were cared for, and what happened to foreign nationals who were living in Swansea at the outbreak of war. How the war affected the trade of the town, especially the docks, is examined, as well as the fate of numerous Swansea ships that became targets for the German U-Boat campaign. The organisation of medical aid for wounded servicemen and the effect of food shortages, and its subsequent rationing in Swansea, are covered. The new roles performed by women and the efforts made in the town to provide support for those left at home, or serving at the front, are also examined. Away from the Home Front, the actions of both of the Swansea Victoria Cross winners are recounted, as are the stories of some of those who served on land, on sea, or in the air. These include a Swansea airman who was downed by the famous Red Baron, another who flew again after losing a leg in combat, a Swansea sailor who was lost in an encounter with a German U-Boat, the Swansea officer who twice escaped from a POW camp, and several former Swansea men who returned with Canadian, Australian or South African units to fight the common foe, with often tragic results. There are also stories of a Swansea nurse captured by the Austrians in Serbia, and a Swansea doctor at Gallipoli. Swansea in the Great War is a welcome and long overdue look at how the Great War affected the town and its people. How did the experience of war affect Swansea and the surrounding area? - From the initial enthusiasm, to the gradual realization of the enormity of human sacrifice the families of Swansea were committed to as the war stretched out over the next four years. A record of the growing disillusion of the people, their tragedies and hardships and a determination to see it through. The Great War affected everyone. At home there were wounded soldiers in military hospitals, refugees from Belgium and later on German prisoners of war. There were food and fuel shortages and disruption to schooling. The role of women changed dramatically and they undertook a variety of work undreamed of in peacetime. Extracts from contemporary letters reveal their heroism and give insights into what it was like under battle conditions, including the disastrous first day at the Somme for the Swansea Pals
Edward Williams and Anna Griffiths, children of two close family friends, who
had known each other virtually from birth and who had pledged each to the
other as children, as young adults are called upon to honour that pledge.
There are few historians like Bernard Lewis, who end up as historical actors in their own right. When we think of the Middle East, we see it in terms that he defined and articulated. In this exceptional memoir, the bestselling author of What Went Wrong? shares stories of his wartime service in London and Cairo as an intelligence officer for MI6. After the war, he was the first Western scholar to enter the Ottoman archives. He explains how he coined the phrase "clash of civilizations" in the 1950s, long before anyone imagined that political Islam would one day pose more of a threat than communism. Then September 11 catapulted him onto the world stage. Notes on a Century chronicles a time of spectacular upheaval in the Middle East-from the Second World War and the founding of Israel to the Iranian Revolution and the Arab Spring. Book jacket.
The book explores the challenges facing the Middle East in a post-imperial context, emphasizing the region's need to independently tackle its political, economic, cultural, and societal issues. Bernard Lewis argues that a blend of traditional Islamic culture and contemporary experiences of Muslim peoples can form a foundation for genuine progress toward freedom. The analysis highlights the potential for advancement in civilization through a deeper understanding of these intertwined influences.
"Bernard Lewis is recognized around the globe as one of the leading authorities on Islam. Hailed as "the world's foremost Islamic scholar" (Wall Street Journal ), as "a towering figure among experts on the culture and religion of the Muslim world" (Baltimore Sun ), and as "the doyen of Middle Eastern studies" (New York Times ), Lewis is nothing less than a national treasure, a trusted voice that politicians, journalists, historians, and the general public have all turned to for insight into the Middle East. Now, Lewis has brought together writings on religion and government in the Middle East, so different than in the Western world. The collection includes previously unpublished writings, English originals of articles published before only in foreign languages, and an introduction to the book by Lewis"--Provided by publisher.
"Over the course of his professional career, Bernard Lewis has proven himself as a scholar learned in a number of languages, who has interpreted Islam, the Ottoman Empire, and the modern Middle East for the West. Now, this respected authority has brought together his reflections on Middle Eastern history and foreign affairs written over six decades. The essays include such topics of pan-Arabism, the Mughal and Ottoman empires, the relationship between Western powers and the Middle East, travel in the region, food and feasts, and the problems and practice of writing Middle Eastern history. The pieces cover great events of twentieth-century history, such as the emergence of modern Israel, the Iranian Revolution, and the Gulf War. And they address urgent and compelling topics such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the significance of Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden. The collection ranges from English originals of articles published before only in foreign languages, to previously unpublished writings, to his highly regarded essays from publications such as Foreign Affairs and The New York Review of Books. With more than fifty pieces in all prefaced by a new, personal memoir by Lewis, this is a valuable collection for everyone interested in the Middle East. Here then is a rich repository of wisdom on one of the key areas of the modern world - a wealth of profound reflections on Middle Eastern history, culture, politics, and current events."--Jacket
