Modern Algeria: The Origins and Development of a Nation

by John Ruedy

Praise for the first

"[E]ssential reading for Maghreb specialists as well as for anyone interested in issues of nation-building and political culture in Africa." ―Africa Today

"[T]he best and most comprehensive history of modern Algeria in English." ―Digest of Middle East Studies

"[A] thoughtful and much-needed introductory historical analysis of Algeria." ―Choice

The second edition of Modern Algeria brings readers up to date with the outcome of the 2004 Algerian elections. Providing thorough coverage of the 1990s and the end of the Algerian Civil War, it addresses issues such as secularist struggles against fundamentalist Islam, ethnic and regional distinctions, gender, language, the evolution of popular culture, and political and economic relationships with France and the expatriate community. Updated information on resources enhances the usefulness of this popular textbook that has become a standard in the field.

Genres: Algeria, History, Africa, Middle East, Nonfiction

344 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

John Douglas Ruedy (b.1927) is Emeritus professor of history at Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.).

Reviews

[Max]

Oh dear God. I mean, yes, this book is an academic history, which explains some of the sand-dryness. It's packed with information, and tables and figures galore to fill out the economic history sections. The prose is dense, but lacks the joyful chewiness of analysis and context to be found in the best academic writing. I read it with significant breaks, and finishing it feels like having put down a weight.

Perhaps a reader with more grounding in 2oth century Maghreb politics would find this text engaging. Perhaps my frustration arises more from the book's mystifyingly small type (which really does get smaller from chapter to chapter!) than from any stylistic flaw—certainly the exact same text, printed at a type size that would make it 500 pages long, would feel more accessible and less migrane-inducing. And, to be fair, I know an awful lot more about Algeria than I did when I started reading this book, so in that sense Ruedy's volume does precisely what it says on the tin.

[Brian Griffith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book does a good job of tracing the regions very dramatic history through numerous conquests and revolutions down to the 1990s. To give a taste of the action, I'll try summarizing Reudy's description of the Kharjite revolt against Arab conquerors in the mid-700s.

Supposedly, the Berbers who joined Islam as comrades in arms were to be welcomed as full members of the Islamic brotherhood. Many Arabs, however, felt that the Berbers lacked all marks of higher Arabic civilization. To them, the Berber’s conversion seemed an opportunistic gesture, for participating in plunder while evading the tax on unbelievers. Besides, Arab governors needed revenue with which to rule. Therefore they re-imposed the unbelievers’ tax on Berber Muslims. And at this insult, the Bebers rose to fight again, taking up the banner of an outlawed Islamic group known as the Kharjite sect.

The Kharjites did not recognize the hereditary Umayyad caliphs of Islam. They claimed the caliph should not simply inherit his position, but should be chosen by a consensus of those learned in the faith. The leader should be the greatest exemplar of spirituality in each generation, be that person a prince or a slave. As the Quran said, “The most righteous among you is the most honored before God.”(49:13). The original Kharjites fled persecution in Persia and Iraq by coming to North Africa. In meeting these exiled heretics, the Berbers found “other Muslims by whom they were treated and regarded as equals.” It was like a spark catching the pre-Saharan bush aflame.

The Kharjite revolt of 740 drove the Arabs completely out of northwest Africa. And aside from an Arab re-conquest of Tunisia, no Arabia-based empire ever ruled the Maghreb again. Unfortunately however, the Kharjites’ opposition to central rule left them prone to division. Without an autocratic enemy to oppose, the Kharjites turned on each other in vicious battle over which leader was most virtuous For many in that time and place, such difficulties were enough to discredit primitive democracy.

[Mehdi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good historical overview of the place from the antiquity to 2004, the book deals with topics such as society, colonialism, language and politics.
If, in 285 pages, its quite impossible to be very detailed on many points (not much about the extreme violence of the 3 wars nor about the control of a group of generals on the post-independence Algeria), the bibliographical essay at the end will give you plenty of book titles to get more information on the different themes and periods evoked.

[Kenza · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is an easy read but I think the author by the end of the book was oversimplifying facts and couldn't explain the current situation of the Algerian military regime. He also was not successful in bringing the overall picture of the Islamist challenge the Algerian regime.

[Mahdieh Mahmoodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice book like other books of this series but more suitable for people who work inside NHS

["JT" Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruedy’s narrative provides interesting details on the politics and economic development of Algeria. However, the author glosses over the contributions of women, failing to mention any by name until the last five pages of the book. Given that the Family Code uniquely affected women’s progress and women’s rights in the late 20th-century, neglecting to mention the key players in this struggle erases an enormous dynamic in the development of Algeria as a nation.