Historical Dictionary of Yemen [Hardcover]

Robert D. Burrowes (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0810829878 | ISBN-13: 978-0810829879 | Publication Date: September 28, 1995

North Yemen and South Yemen--the Yemen Arab Republic (YAR) and the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (PDRY), respectively--united to form the Republic of Yemen (ROY) in 1990. This volume, the historical dictionary proper as well as the lengthy descriptive essay and detailed chronology, cover an array of events, persons, institutions, and other features of Yemen from ancient times to the short civil war that put the ROY to the test in mid-1994. Both parts of Yemen receive equal treatment over the many centuries before unification. Emphasis is upon the twentieth century: in the north, the period of the notable Hamid al-Din imanate and the YAR's fitfully successful republican rule after the 1962 Revolution; and, in the south, the last several decades of British imperial rule in Aden Colony and the Aden Protectorates and the PDRY's experimentation with radical socialism after independence from Britain in 1967. The dictionary, descriptive essay, and chronology are complemented by an up-to-date bibliography with 17 subject headings.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

There is a lot to like about Scarecrow’s various Historical Dictionaries series. The books are written by experts in the area or country that is covered. All contain well-written brief histories of the country and chronologies that, though they cover historical time periods, heavily feature more recent events. Brief A–Z entries cover the main people, politics, social issues, foreign affairs, institutions, and policies that make the country unique. Extensive bibliographies are divided into several general subject areas. This updated title, part of the Historical Dictionaries of Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East series, is no exception to the high standards. Yemen is familiar to most Americans. It has been featured prominently in national news and U.S. foreign policy recently, and the Historical Dictionary of Yemen should help the curious figure out some of the intricate tribal relations within the country as well as provide a better understanding of the unique variety of Zaydi Shi’a and Shafii Sunni Islam practiced there. In particular, the entries on the various governmental structures imposed first by the Ottomans, then by the British, as well as entries on postindependent nationalism, provide strong background on the united Yemeni government that exists today. All university libraries as well as larger public libraries will be well served by having copies of this title. --Steve Stratton --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Review

As a reference text, this dictionary has much to recommend it for there is no single source that provides this range of information. It is also timely, coming in an era when many scholars need to acquire this requisite background...this is a great reference book for the novice and has enough breadth to appeal to the experienced researcher as well...The dictionary's breadth and scope makes it an invaluable source...This volume will be a standard reference work on Yemen. (Yemen Update )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 528 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press (September 28, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810829878
• ISBN-13: 978-0810829879
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,678,735 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.