Reviving Phoenicia: The Search for Identity in Lebanon [Hardcover]

Asher Kaufman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 17, 2004 | ISBN-10: 1860649823 | ISBN-13: 978-1860649820 | Edition: Bilingual

Reviving Phoenicia follows the social, intellectual and political development of the Phoenician myth of origin in Lebanon from the middle of the 19th century to the end of the 20th. Asher Kaufman demonstrates the role played by the lay, liberal Syrian-Lebanese who resided in Beirut, Alexandria and America towards the end of the 19th century in the birth and dissemination of this myth. Kaufman investigates the crucial place Phoenicianism occupied in the formation of Greater Lebanon in 1920. He also explores the way the Jesuit Order and the French authorities propagated this myth during the mandate years. The book also analyzes literary writings of different Lebanese who advocated this myth, and of others who opposed it.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Asher Kaufman has produced a fascinating study which will be of interest not only to students of Lebanese and Middle Eastern history but also to those interested in nationalism generally and in the Middle East in particular.'Islam and Christian -Muslim Relations

About the Author

Asher Kaufman teaches at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and is a research fellow at the Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 255 pages
• Publisher: I. B. Tauris; Bilingual edition (April 17, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1860649823
• ISBN-13: 978-1860649820
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,259,323 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Mr Kaufman should eat his words with publication of genetic study, November 2, 2008

By 

S. George Khalaf (Chapel Hill, NC, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Reviving Phoenicia: The Search for Identity in Lebanon (Hardcover)

Zalloua et al., Identifying Genetic Traces of Historical Expansions: Phoenician Footprints in the Mediterranean, The American Journal of Human Genetics (2008), doi: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2008.10.012 suffices to invite Mr. Kaufman to eat his words.

Thank goodness for the science of genetics that silences nay sayers.

5 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent book on Lebanon's historical roots and evolution, March 20, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Reviving Phoenicia: The Search for Identity in Lebanon (Hardcover)

This book tells the story not only of the Phoenician identity in Lebanon but also of the process that led to the formation of Greater Lebanon and the historical narrative that was created in order to justify its existence. It also covers the "human networking" in Beirut and elsewhere of the persons who advocated this myth of origin. The author departs from the conventional narrative on Phoenicianism that sees it as a mere Maronite ideology and shows the extent of influence of this myth on Lebanese national narratives and on other communities in Lebanon. It is also the first attempt to demonstrate the different facets of this myth. Thus, it shows that by no means one can speak about A Phoenician myth of origin. Rather, Phoenicianism meant different things for different social and political groups in Lebanon.

No doubt, it is the most authoritative piece of work on this subject. It is also well written and easily read. I strongly recommend reading it for it is indispensable for those seeking to understand Lebanon's creation and evolution.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Big let-down!!, January 12, 2011

By 

curleytops - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Reviving Phoenicia: The Search for Identity in Lebanon (Hardcover)

I regret to say that this seller is a flake. I ordered the book entitled "Reviving Phoenicia:The Search for Identity in Lebanon" on 12/11/2010. I subsequently received notification of shipment on 12/15/2010, with a delivery estimate of 12/17/10 - 1/4/11. Much to my disappointment, the book never arrived. I finally cancelled my order on 1/7/2011 after having waited over 3 weeks for this book. I would be very hesitant to re-order from this seller again.