Reviving Phoenicia : The Search for Identity in Lebanon

Reviving Phoenicia follows the social, intellectual and political development of the Phoenician myth of origin in Lebanon from the middle of the nineteenth century to the end of the twentieth. Asher Kaufman demonstrates the role played by the lay, liberal Syrian-Lebanese who resided in Beirut, Alexandria and America towards the end of the nineteenth century in the birth and dissemination of this myth. Kaufman investigates the crucial place Phoenicianism occupied in the formation of Greater Lebanon in 1920. He also explores the way the Jesuit Order and the French authorities propagated this myth during the mandate years. The book also analyzes literary writings of different Lebanese who advocated this myth, and of others who opposed it. Finally, Reviving Phoenicia provides an overview of Phoenicianism from independence in 1943 to the present, demonstrating that despite the general objection to this myth, some aspects of it entered mainstream Lebanese national narratives. Kaufman's work will be vital reading for anyone interested in the birth of modern Lebanon as we know it today. "This study follows the social, intellectual and political development of the Phoenician myth of origin in Lebanon from the middle of the 19th century to the end of the 20th. Asher Kaufman demonstrates the role played by the lay, liberal Syrian-Lebanese who resided in Beirut, Alexandria and America towards the end of the 19th century in the birth and dissemination of this myth. Kaufman investigates the crucial place Phoenicianism occupied in the formation of Greater Lebanon in 1920. He also explores the way the Jesuit Order and the French authorities propagated this myth during the mandate years. The book also analyses literary writings of different Lebanese who advocated this myth, and of others who opposed it. Finally, the text provides an overview of Phoenicianism from Independece in 1943 to the present, demonstrating that despite the general objection to this myth, some aspects of it entered mainstream Lebanese national narratives. Kaufman's works should be of use to anyone interested in the birth of modern Lebanon as we know it today."--Bloomsbury Publishing. Reviving Phoenicia Follows The Social, Intellectual And Political Development Of The Phoenician Myth Of Origin In Lebanon From The Middle Of The Nineteenth Century To The End Of The Twentieth. Kaufman's Work Will Be Vital Reading For Anyone Interested In The Birth Of Modern Lebanon As We Know It Today.--book Jacket. Sect. I. Origins -- Ch. I. First Buds: 1860-1918 -- Ch. Ii. Before And After The War -- Sect. Ii. The Mandate Years -- Ch. Iii. The Mandate Years -- Ch. Iv. Three Phoenician Currents -- Ch. V. The Adversaries -- Sect. Iii. After Independence And Beyond -- Ch. Vi. Chronicle Of A Dream And Disillusionment -- Conclusion: Arabs, Phoenicians And What Lies Between. Asher Kaufman. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [251]-268) And Index. Reviving Phoenicia follows the social, intellectual and political development of the Phoenician myth of origin in Lebanon from the middle of the 19th century to the end of the 20th. Asher Kaufman demonstrates the role played by the lay, liberal Syrian-Lebanese who resided in Beirut, Alexandria and America towards the end of the 19th century in the birth and dissemination of this myth. Kaufman investigates the crucial place Phoenicianism occupied in the formation of Greater Lebanon in 1920. He also explores the way the Jesuit Order and the French authorities propagated this myth during the mandate years. The book also analyzes literary writings of different Lebanese who advocated this myth, and of others who opposed it. Note on Transliteration -- Acknowledgements -- Preface to the New Paperback Edition -- Introduction -- SECTION I: ORIGINS -- Chapter I : First Buds: 1860-1918 -- Chapter II : Before and After the War -- SECTION II: THE MANDATE YEARS -- Chapter III : The Mandate Years -- Chapter IV: Three Phoenician Currents -- Chapter V : The Adversaries -- SECTION III : AFTER INDEPENDENCE AND BEYOND -- Chapter VI: Chronicle of a Dream and Disillusionment -- Conclusion: Arabs, Phoenicians and What Lies Between -- Bibliography -- Index The historical narrative of Lebanon almost invariably begins with the ancient Phoenician seafarers.