Book Reviews

Lewis, Bernard. From Babel to Dragomans: Interpreting the Middle East. Oxford, $28.

Library Journal: “A very useful collection for both academic and large public libraries.” Publishers Weekly: “As this collection of writings and speeches from the last 40 years demonstrates, Lewis is probably the world’s most erudite scholar of the Middle East. As a result of its scholarly bent, this book may attract a narrower audience than his other recent works, but they reflect the thinking of a profound mind.” National Review: “Lewis has long been considered the West’s leading interpreter of Mideast culture and history, and this collection only solidifies his reputation. His writing is erudite but not dry; he venerates the facts of history while remaining fully alive to their echoes and implications in the present. There is deep wisdom here for would-be appeasers.” Booklist: “Lewis displays the full range of his eloquence, knowledge, and insight regarding this pivotal and volatile region. Lewis has never shrunk from controversy, and many of his views presented here are widely disputed by other scholars both within and outside the Middle East: but Lewis remains essential reading.” Foreign Affairs: “Lewis’ arguments are forceful and subtle.”