Customer Reviews

Lords of the Atlas: The Rise and Fall of the House of Glaoua 1893-1956

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The fact that the first half of this book draws extensively and almost exclusively from the work of Harris, should in no way detract from the achievement of Maxwell. He has presented a very complex period of history, in an accessible and entertaining format. At times it is necessary to remind yourself that not only is this a true story, but that most of the events portrayed took place this century. It is a fantastic account of the power behind the French Protectorate, and a reminder that politics has always been a filthy business. Anyone planning a visit, or who has been to Morocco, especially the Glaoui kasbahs of the High Atlas, should read this book, as should fans of bloody, political intrigue.

I know so little of that part of the world. My grandson is there with the peacecorps and I want to know more about the people there and their way of living.
I am only in the beginning of the book, will certainly read more. It is hard to believe that all this happened only 50+ years ago.

I bought this book because it was one of those books that have achieved almost legendary status. It was banned in Morocco under the previous king because apparently its disparaging comments about the Royal family. Anyone who had any interest in the Middle East over the past 20 years would have at least heard of it so I was looking forward to a compelling read about the rise and fall of the Pashas of Marrakesh and the Altas.

What I found was a confusing jumble of fact, fiction and travellers accounts verified by nobody. The biography at the rear of the book gives no real clue to Maxwell his motives behind the book or what research (If any) He bothered to take other than this is apparently some peak in orientalist writing. What you do find is that although he spent some time in Iraq with a local guide he never set foot in Morocco until 1966. Something which makes the book all the more confusing as he writes of first hand experiences he apparently had in the early 1900s! I did a bit more digging and found it to be largely based on the book "Morocco that was" Maxwell even talks as though he is having conversation with that author. Maxwell tells us tales of brutality and mass murder to the extent you would be surprised that there still exists a population in Morocco. Everyone appears to be motivated by sexual pleasure, gold and prostitution. Its badly researched badly put together and is so muddled by half way through the book I ended up having to revert to the book by Nasr (History of the Maghrib) To actually make any sense of it! The last few pages where Maxwell informs us that prostitution has no stigma in Morocco, they are welcome into the homes of a newly married girl and seen as a good omen there. Maxwell even goes as far as to tell us that they have tattooed on their genitalia the Islamic declaration of faith!!!! To be honest I frankly just gave up at that point and consigned this drivel to the rubbish bin.

If you want a book singing the praises of a few thugs who made good during the French mandate (Primarily on prostitution) A book filled with unsupported (And frankly slanderous) comments, a book written by a man who clearly doesn't know the first thing about Morocco, Islam or Arab culture and a book that's basically a rip off from someone else's then this really is the book for you.

Read a year in Marrakesh or even just read Morocco that was and save yourself the money.

An authoritative account of the rise and fall of the Glaoua bosses of Marrakech. Maxwell presents a factual and entertaining view of this fascinating period in Morroccan history. Essential reading for anyone travelling to the High Atlas.

Lords of the Atlas: The Rise And Fall of the House of Glaoua 1893-1956

I ordered this book and was please that it did not take very much time to arrive. I had actually read the book several years ago and purchased this copy for a friend who was going to travel to Morocco and spend a part of his vacation in the Atlas Mountains. I recommend it to anyone who is traveling to Morocco.