Israel: An Introduction

by Barry Rubin

This comprehensive book provides a well-rounded introduction to Israel—a definitive account of the nation's past, its often controversial present, and much more. Written by a leading historian of the Middle East, Israel is organized around six major themes: land and people, history, society, politics, economics, and culture. The only available volume to offer such a complete account, this book is written for general readers and students who may have little background knowledge of this nation or its rich culture.

Based on research by scholars with extensive firsthand knowledge of Israel, this book offers accessible, clearly explained material, enhanced with a generous selection of images, maps, charts, tables, graphs, and sidebars. This book provides readers with a solid foundation of knowledge about Israel and provides useful reference lists by topic for those inspired to read further.

Genres: Israel, Middle East, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 24, 2012

About the author

Barry Rubin is an American-born Israeli expert on terrorism and Middle Eastern affairs.

Barry Rubin is director of the Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center, editor of the Middle East Review of International Affairs (MERIA), and a professor at the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) in Herzliya, Israel. He is also editor of the journal 'Turkish Studies'.

Reviews

[Abigail Advincula · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very informative. Read like a textbook. I'm not sure if I would leisurely read this book one weekend. It's first rate research, though.

Probably what I got the most out of this book was learning about all the concessions Israel has tried to make to establish peace, but how all of them have fallen through on the Palestinian side. If this author is right, then Israel has a right to be as cautious as it is towards the PLO and its "allies" alike.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information, but very deorganized. Many information gets repeated through the chapters. Feels more like a school report, than a book.

[Sofia · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a thrilling read.

[PSLB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complete, covering history, economics, culture, government, etc., and written in an easy style.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting study of Israel's history and people, its government and economic development. Succinct and just enough detail. Very worthwhile.

[CC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billed as a history, isn't

I enjoyed this book; it was interesting. But it ought to have been billed more as a survey text than a history, which is what it was sold as on Amazon.