The Pathans: 550 B.C.- A.D. 1957 (Oxford in Asia Historical Reprints) [Hardcover]

Olaf Caroe (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 27, 1976 | ISBN-10: 0195772210 | ISBN-13: 978-0195772210

This is the foremost work on the social and political history of the Pathans, from 550 BC to AD 1957. It includes an epilogue written, just before the author's death, in the light of recent events in Afghanistan.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"a definitive history of the Pathans living in Afghanistan and North Western Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan, from 550 BC to 1957 AD ... An interesting historical read."--Lieutenant Colonel Daljit Singh, USI Journal, Oct-Dec 98, Vol 128, no 534

Product Details

• Hardcover: 543 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press (January 27, 1976)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195772210
• ISBN-13: 978-0195772210
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.3 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,322,561 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get to know the Afghans (Pathans) of the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan., June 21, 2000

By 

Riaz A. Hakeem "Pashtun" (Sugar Land, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Pathans: 550 B.C.- A.D. 1957 (Oxford in Asia Historical Reprints) (Hardcover)

This is one of the most comprehensive books on the subject of the Pathans (Pukhtoon or Pushtoon. Written by the last British Governor of the North West Frontier Province, this book traces the geneaology of this unusual race. Recently the Readers Digest (July 2000) wrote a story on the connection with Alexander the Great. This is a scholary work so if you are looking for light reading this is not for you. At one time Afghan and Pathan or Pukhtoon/Pushtoon were synonymous. It was the fear of the Pathans of Pakistan joining with the Pathans of Afghanistan that led Pakistan to deny naming the province "Pashtunistan" (Land of the Pashtuns)for fear of lending legitimacy to their desire for independence. Winston Churchill fought here. So did Sherlock Holmes' friend Dr. Watson. The general fascination with this area can be gauged by the number of National Geographic articles about it. This book brings these people to life and gives them the honorable treatment they have earned. I should know, I am a Pukhtoon of the Yousafzai (Joseph's Children) tribe.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Read, August 15, 2004

By 

A. Khan - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Pathans: 550 B.C.- A.D. 1957 (Oxford in Asia Historical Reprints) (Hardcover)

This is a good read notwithstanding the sometimes academic treatment of the topic which at best is boring and long winded. Having said as much, the author does a pretty through job of addressing the various aspects of Pathan history which departs quite significantly from the common understanding of the average Pathan of himself and his heritage.

I for one was quite amazed to see the argument posed by the author and the facts laid therein to substantiate his proposition. However, by and large it is a book worth reading given the subject of Pathan history is something that can not be fully understood from a single read.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on the charcter of the Afghans/Pakhtoon, April 13, 2002

By 

"[e-mail]" (VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Pathans: 550 B.C.- A.D. 1957 (Oxford in Asia Historical Reprints) (Hardcover)

If you are not a Sindi, Punjabi, Hazara, Tajik or other enemies of the Afghans/Pakhtoon, this is a must reading for you.