Lord of Arabia: Ibn Saud: An Intimate Study of a King

by H.C. Armstrong

A well-researched, captivating history of the Arab nation, wrapped into the biography of Ibn Saud, founding father and first king of Saudi Arabia.

312 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1924

Reviews

[Adeeba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't think i would enjoy this as much as i did. I was sceptical given the age this was published (1938) and the writer being a white middle aged male, prepared myself for heavy criticism of Arabs and their way of life through Islam. The paint of Islamophobia which was heavily pitted with its 'wrongs' against the Western ideals of living, which was common with most publications of the time. However, the respect in which religion is narrated within the daily life of Ibn Saud and his family; the naturalness, neatness and black and white - of this is my religion and this is my way of life. As Islam is, it's a way of life and not chore, which many Non-Muslims do not understand.

The education i received reading this biography. Looking at the new Saudi family, I did not know that the strife of war, blood, sweat, prayers and tears that went into the formation of where they stand today. I was always under the assumption that they were always there in power, and they always had wealth. I did not know they were poor, penniless and refugees for a majority of Ibn Saud's life, untill things turned around for him in his 30's.

Given the current political climate with Palestine, Syria, Iraq and Yemen - it was interesting to learn how the Western powers before, during and after WW1 & WW2 dealt with these Arab countries. Unbiased in narration the role of manipulation by Britain and France - the power play moves which have affected these countries heavily in present day.

I was enlightened and recommend this book to anyone who would like to gain a prequel understanding in a family which holds so much power in the world today.

[Oky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book provides you an alternative view to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The development of the kingdom, the influence of wahabi teachings to their law foundation, the role of the British to the kingdom in its early establishment, etc

[Dhini · Rating 4 out of 5]

ini buku cukup bagus, tentang pendiri kerajaan Arab Saudi... Ibn Saud.. detail kehidupan beliau dari kelahirannya dan bagaimana dia membangun negerinya.. termasuk juga saat harus menjalin hubungan dengan dunia barat...

[Roy Hull · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book by a friend. The copy I was given was published in the 1930's, it was such an enjoyable and interesting read.

Obviously the story ended in the 1930's and I will now have to read the updated versions. But still a really good book to collect.

Roy

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. The only downside was the copy I possessed had several pages out of order which made it more of an adventure to read than intended.