Customer Reviews

Reviving Phoenicia: The Search for Identity in Lebanon

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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.

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.

I picked up this book and found it a fascinating summary of the history of modern Lebanon. I highly recommend it for those who are interested in the modern Middle East.

Aiming to write a book that tries to propogate the idea that Lebanon and Lebanese people only have a mythological connection to Phoenicia would be similar to writing a book stating as a "myth" that Jews ever existed in what is today Israel. True that there has been a lot of glorification of the Phoenicians by Lebanese over history, but why not? Would the author deny the Greeks, Indians, or Chinese pride in their ancient history and culture? It is also true that most Lebanese today cannot prove their bloodline links to the ancient Phoenicians but this does not mean that Phoenicia and the Phoenicians have not shaped and do not reflect the many aspects of Lebanon and its people throughout history and until today. If the author ever visited Lebanon (which he cannot due to political reasons) and studied the country, its people, and history from a first-hand perspective and not from a distance, then he would clearly see how Phoenicia and Phoenicians have shaped the country. I believe the author is trying to deny a country its history through such a book and any visitor will easily see Lebanon's Phoenician heritage on the ground in the form of ancient cities and artifacts which litter the country.

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.

A very good book. Strongly recommended. A refreshing look at Lebanon's history before and during the mandate years.

I am interested in the role of Europe in the Middle East and I found the analysis of France's role in Mandatory Lebanon extremely well documented. The book reads well and is also excellent for using as a reference -- as all of the information contained is cited with great attention to detail.