Morocco Under King Hassan [Hardcover]

Stephen O. Hughes (Author), Hughes (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0863722857 | ISBN-13: 978-0863722851 | Publication Date: January 2001 | Edition: 1

Written by a foreign correspondent resident in Morocco since 1952, "Morocco under King Hassan" is an impartial chronicle of all the major events in the North African kingdom during this period, relating how the king, who claimed to be a direct descendent to the Prophet Muhammed, reigned for more than 30 years, despite attempts by leftists, the military and Muslim fundamentalists to overthrow him. Due to strict press laws, no Moroccan has ever published a dispassionate account of the country and its monarchy. Most books on the subject tend to fall into one of two categories - those that are hymns of praise for the Moroccan monarchy, and those arguing that it is one of the most despotic and reactionary regimes in the world. Morocco under King Hassan is a journalist's objective view of a country he has lived in for nearly 50 years. The book covers the nationalist struggle for independence, conflicts with neighbouring Algeria, the guerrilla war in Western Sahara and all other major political, economic and social developments that have turned Morocco into a multiparty democracy with a liberal economic system that makes it unique in the Arab world. Under King Hassan Morocco was modernized while retaining its ancient traditions and culture and, at the same time, promoting religious tolerance. Political stability at home and the king's moderating influence in the Middle East and foreign affairs generally, have won Morocco many Western friends. This book provides an insight into the inner workings of an endearing and gripping country which will provide the reader with a better understanding and appreciation of Morocco and the Moroccans. Consisting of 37 chapters, it is designed as a handbook for both the specialist and general reader.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

After four years as a pilot of Catalina flying boats with the RAF, Stephen O Hughes has worked as a journalist for over half a century, including 48 years in Morocco - 33 years of which as the Reuters correspondent. He has written millions of words in dispatches reporting on events in the kingdom as an eyewitness, from the end of the Spanish and French protectorates up to the present day.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 385 pages
• Publisher: Ithaca Press (GB); 1 edition (January 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0863722857
• ISBN-13: 978-0863722851
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,881,731 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should be your first book to read on Morocco!, December 11, 2001

By A Customer

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This review is from: Morocco Under King Hassan (Hardcover)

...as a long standing student of Morocco I found this book focused and factually correct. Unlike some other books written about this country, 'Morocco Under King Hassan' provides a balanced picture that allows the reader to make his or her own judgements. If asked which books a student of Morocco should put at the top of their reading list I would start with Maxwell's 'Lords of the Atlas' and then Mr. Hughes' book.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply The Best!!!, November 12, 2004

By 

U. Niemeska "uska" (london) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Morocco Under King Hassan (Hardcover)

This is excellent book, full of facts.
I congratulate the writer for this marvelous work.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply The Best!!!, November 12, 2004

By 

U. Niemeska "uska" (london) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Morocco Under King Hassan (Hardcover)

This is excellent book, full of facts.
I congratulate the writer for this marvelous work.