Historical Dictionary of Libya (African Historical Dictionaries, 33) [Hardcover]

Ronald Bruce St John (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0810834952 | ISBN-13: 978-0810834958 | Publication Date: July 1998 | Edition: 3rd

The Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, more commonly known as Libya, rests at the intersection of three worlds--Arab, African, and Mediterranean. Early African trade routes passing through Libya linked Central Africa with the North African Coast and the cultures of the Mediterranean sea. Libya's present-day strategic location, combined with its extensive oil reserves and revolutionary leadership, have kept this sparsely populated state at the forefront of nightly news for nearly three decades. Much is discussed yet little is understood, and Libya remains an enigma in world affairs. Its internal and external policies often provoke wide-ranging sentiment, from praise to anger to fear to outright scorn. The third edition of the "Historical Dictionary of Libya" provides a much needed update on the old traditions and new developments of modern Libya. The book covers the early periods of Libyan history, adding background on many of its current internal struggles and much of the impetus of its modern political positions. The United Kingdom of Libya was the first North African area to achieve statehood (in 1951) and emerge from under the auspices of the United Nations. In 1969, the Revolutionary Command Council seized power from the monarchy and redirected the policies of the former regime. This book provides a valuable frame of reference to investigate the policies of the two radically different governments of 20th-century, independent Libya. Other significant changes have occurred with this edition. New entries have been added, particularly concerning the social and economic system of Libya after 1991. Additionally, outside influences on Libyan history have been clarified. Crucial entries such as The United States, Qaddafi, Chemical Weapons, September Revolution, and Revolutionary Committees, have been completely rewritten to present the most accurate, up-to-date information available. The bibliography has been expanded considerably to incorporate new material published in recent years. Several appendixes have been added to the third edition of the " Dictionary" to provide easy access to background information and detailed, focused studies of Libya. Finally a series of maps, also newly added with this edition, provide visual reference to the territorial disputes in which Libya has been embroiled during this century. So much of Libya is shrouded in misinformation and mystery. This third edition of the "Historical Dictionary of Libya" goes farther than ever to provide a concise, handy source of accurate information on one of the modern world's most enigmatic states. Reviews of the Previous Edition: "A major contribution of this work is the comprehensive and very well organized bibliography...a useful work for both the specialist and the amateur." --MESA BULLETIN "...important...As a very basic introduction, outline, and ready reference tool for modern Libya, this edition is highly recommended." --CHOICE "...a remarkably accessible assembly of useful information...a good buy." --LIBYAN STUDIES

Editorial Reviews

Review

...a remarkably accessible assembly of useful information...a good buy. (Libyan Studies [3Rd Ed.] )

...a useful work for both the specialist and the amateur. (Mesa Bulletin [3Rd Ed.] )

This reference for scholars and general readers contains hundreds of cross-referenced entries on Libya's most significant events, places, and personalities. Coverage spans the centuries from the Arab conquest through the September Revolution in 1969 and the dominance of the Qaddafi regime. Supplemental materials include an editorial introduction, maps, a chronology, a glossary, and an extensive bibliography organized by subject. Independent scholar St. John is the author of several books and more than 100 articles and reviews on Libya. (Reference & Research Book News ) --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Ronald Bruce St John (Ph.D., University of Denver) is a strategic planning manager for a multinational corporation. He has published numerous books concerning Libya and written dozens of articles for professional journals, as well as traveled extensively throughout the country.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 504 pages
• Publisher: The Scarecrow Press, Inc.; 3rd edition (July 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810834952
• ISBN-13: 978-0810834958
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,331,122 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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