Christopher Phillips Book order

The essential guide to geopolitics in the modern Middle East in the aftermath of the Arab Spring

"This moving, insightful and ultimately hopeful and helpful blend of memoir and philosophical exploration begins in Christopher Phillips's native stomping grounds of the tiny volcanic island of Nisyros, Greece and unfurls through space and time as the author explores the connections between his immediate circumstances and the eternal wisdom of popular philosophers"--

An unprecedented analysis of the crucial but underexplored roles the United States and other nations have played in shaping Syria’s ongoing civil war“One of the best informed and non-partisan accounts of the Syrian tragedy yet published.”—Patrick Cockburn, Independent Syria’s brutal, long-lasting civil war is widely viewed as a domestic contest that began in 2011 and only later drew foreign nations into the fray. But in this book Christopher Phillips shows the crucial roles that were played by the United States, Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar in Syria’s war right from the start. Phillips untangles the international influences on the tragic conflict and illuminates the West’s strategy against ISIS, the decline of U.S. power in the region, and much more. Originally published in 2016, the book has been updated with two new chapters.   

"A unique consideration of the role of quantitative measurement and human judgment, Scouting and Scoring provides an entirely fresh understanding of baseball by showing what the sport reveals about reliable knowledge in the modern world." --

Life and Dreams: Contemporary Chinese Photography and Media Art is the first comprehensive catalogue showcasing works by Chinese artists from The Walther Collection. It features visually inventive and emotionally engaging artworks by 44 pioneering artists, highlighting the rapid emergence of photography and media art as significant elements in experimental Chinese art since the early 1990s. The catalogue illustrates how these media have been embraced by successive generations of artists. The photographic works reflect artists’ reactions to profound social and economic transformations that have reshaped China's cities and everyday life. Key themes explored include the use of the body as a medium for creative expression, the exploration of architectural environments, the integration of classical imagery to address contemporary issues, and the examination of China's diverse political histories. Additionally, the works shape new forms of individual and collective identity. Selected media art pieces employ imaginative and fantastical elements to portray a world of technological ambiguity, hinting at the future direction of China and its people. Co-published with The Walther Collection, Neu-Ulm and New York.

An unprecedented analysis of the crucial but underexplored roles the United States and other nations have played in shaping Syria's ongoing civil war

Focusing on the border states during the Civil War, this book highlights how residents navigated the complexities of war to reshape their political and cultural identities as "Southern." By addressing the often-overlooked experiences of these states, it provides a nuanced understanding of their contributions and transformations during this tumultuous period in American history.

Aerial photography serves as the focal point of this exploration of urban landscapes, showcasing Olivo Barbieri's decade-long project capturing 25 cities globally. The book chronicles his evolution as a photographer, starting with distinctive tilt-shift images that sparked a new stylistic trend. As the series progresses, Barbieri employs innovative techniques to manipulate color and detail, creating a thought-provoking commentary on modern urban spaces and the art of photography. The stunning design and large format enhance the visual experience, with an introduction by Christopher Phillips.

Focusing on the evolution of aerial photography, the book showcases Italian photographer Olivo Barbieri's decade-long project capturing 25 cities worldwide. It chronicles his journey from distinctive tilt-shift images that defined a popular style to innovative techniques that manipulate color and detail, challenging perceptions of urban reality. The stunning visual narrative not only documents contemporary urban spaces but also reflects on the nature of photography itself. Presented in a luxurious format, it features an introduction by Christopher Phillips.

Focusing on Arab identity in the modern Middle East, this book explores its persistence alongside state and religious identities over the past four decades. It delves into the complexities of cultural and national identity, providing insights into the factors that have contributed to its resilience in a rapidly changing socio-political landscape.