AMERICAN ORIENTALISM: The United States and the Middle East Since 1945
Douglas Little, . . Univ. of North Carolina, $34.95 (424pp) ISBN 978-0-8078-2737-6
In contrast to many post–September 11 studies, which seek to satisfy the demand for instant analysis, Little's fascinating book is based on extensive and long-range research into the history of U.S.–Mideastern relations. Informative and well balanced, this work of diplomatic and political history raises provocative questions about that history that shed an intriguing light not only on the events of September 11 but on the past 60 years of American encounters with the Middle East. Little's overarching theme is the complex and sometimes inconsistent attitudes and interests that determined U.S. policy in the region. The author contends that American political activity has been hampered by profound cultural misunderstanding, resulting in unforeseen and unintended negative consequences. In eight invigorating chapters, Clark University historian Little (
Reviewed on: 10/21/2002
Genre: Nonfiction