Pop Culture Arab World!: Media, Arts, and Lifestyle

by Andrew Hammond

The first book to explore how Arab pop culture has succeeded in helping forge a pan-Arab identity, where Arab nationalism has failed.

Pop Culture Arab World! is the first volume to explore the full scope of Arab cultural life since World War II. The book reveals a homogeneous yet richly diverse culture across the Arab nations.

In-depth chapters feature radio/TV (particularly the satellite revolution, which has fostered a shared Arab identity), the press (vibrant and controversial), cinema (once thriving, now in crisis), music (the beating heart of modern Arabness), theater (a largely assimilated Western import), popular religion, belly dance (originating in the Arab world), Western consumerism, sport, and the Arabic language (for Muslims, the tongue of God's final revelation). At a time when almost all we see of the Middle East is violence, oppressive nationalism, dangerous zealotry, and despair, this book is a vivid reminder of the humanity of the region's diverse people.

392 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

After some years in the legal profession, Andrew re-trained as a teacher and has been a Deputy Headmaster, Director of Studies, Housemaster, and Head of English and Drama. He now works as an educational consultant and motivational speaker.

Andrew has written over thirty educational titles and has contributed articles to the Times Educational Supplement and other educational periodicals. The CRYPT Series is Andrew's first foray into the world of fiction.

Andrew lives in Suffolk with his wife and four children.

Reviews

[Artur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressive compendium on Arabic massive culture, very informative and well written. The only shame is that it's outdated in most aspects.