The Arab World: Personal Encounters

by Elizabeth Warnock Fernea

Beyond considering the history, religion, leadership, and current social trends in the Arab world, the authors closely examine the lives of its people to portray the realities of daily life in the Arab nations

Genres: Middle East, History, Anthropology, Islam, Nonfiction

16 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1985

About the author

Elizabeth Warnock Fernea was an influential writer, filmmaker, and anthropologist who spent much of her life in the field producing numerous ethnographies and films that capture the struggles and turmoil of African and Middle Eastern cultures. Her husband, the anthropologist Robert A. Fernea, was a large influence in her life. Fernea is commonly regarded as a pioneer for women in the field of Middle East Studies.

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for historical perspective on the issues facing Israel, Iraq, Egypt, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, this book is a fascinating look at a moment in time (the 1990s) in the region. Prescient in some parts, and shockingly wrong in others. The authors were professors of Arabic studies at the University of Texas, and it is worth a read.

[aj · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite part of this book is when Elizabeth (a seasoned anthropologist and scholar) is introduced to Arab discontents of Western cultural hegemony. Overall an enjoyable read, and good portrayal of the complex interactions between Western "observers" and Arab individuals.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a muyst read. I really enjoyed this book.

[Dave/Maggie Bean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firsthand experiences in the world's most volatile region from an anthropological perspective. Light on theory, heavy on empirical observation.