The Arabs

Maxime Rodinson has long been known in Europe as one of the foremost interpreters of Arab history and thought. In this concise overview of the Arab people and their distinctive culture, the author discusses the extend to which Arabs can be defined by religion, language, or race; surveys the Arab diaspora; examines modern Arab nationalism; and questions the degree to which it is possible to generalize about the Arab people and their "personality." The Arabs Is An Interpretative Essay Based Upon A Great Deal Of Reading And Research, And Like Other Writings Of The Author, Brilliant And Insightful. Rodinson's Response To The Question Who Are The Arabs? Traces The Career Of The Arab People From Their First Appearance About Twenty-nine Centuries Ago Up To The Present Day. The Purpose Of The Book Is To Make The Reader Aware Of An Undeniable Arab Being, Of Its Historic Performance And Its Contemporary Situation, On The Basis Of A Scientifically Careful But Sympathetic Study And Statement. Back Cover. Who Are The Arabs? -- The Nature And Growth Of Arabhood -- Arabism -- Prospects And Pitfalls For The Arab World -- Is A Comprehensive Portrait Of The Arabs Possible? Maxime Rodinson ; Translated By Arthur Goldhammer. Translation Of Les Arabes. Includes Index.