Arabs in the mirror : images and self-images from pre-Islamic to modern times / Nissim Rejwan.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Rejwan, Nissim.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Arabs.

Democracy--Arab countries.

Democracy.

Intellectuals--Arab countries.

Intellectuals.

National characteristics, Arab.

Arab countries--Intellectual life.

Arab countries.

Egypt--Social conditions.

Egypt.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (225 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Austin : University of Texas Press, 2008.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

What is an Arab?Though many in the West would answer that question with simplistic stereotypes, the reality is far more complex and interesting.Arabs themselves have been debating Arab identity since pre-Islamic times, coming to a variety of conclusions about the nature and extent of their "Arabness." Likewise, Westerners and others have.

Contents:

The bedouin, the camel, the sand, and the palm tree

Identity and self-definition

Ibn Khaldun's appraisal appraised

"Arabizing the Arabs"

Self-images old and new

Calls for "critical self-analysis"

Unity in diversity

The quest for democracy

Resources and development

The social scene

The case of Egypt

The West's inroads

The difference Israel has made new lessons for old

The intellectuals

Appendix : portraits in a mirror : three fictional versions.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

0-292-79448-7

OCLC:

234192357