Saddam Hussein: A Political Biography [Paperback]

Efraim Karsh (Author), Inari Rautsi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 17, 2002

Authors Efraim Karsh and Inari Rautsi, experts on Middle East history and politics, have combined their expertise to write what is largely considered the definitive work of one of the world's most reviled and notorious figures. Drawing on a wealth of Iraqi, Arab, Western and Israeli sources, including interviews with people who have had close contact with Saddam Hussein throughout his career, the authors trace the meteoric transformation of an ardent nationalist and obscure Ba'th party member into an absolute dictator. Skillfully interweaving a realistic analysis of Gulf politics and history, and now including a new introduction and epilogue, this authoritative biography is essential for understanding the mind of a modern tyrant.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and the subsequent war in the Persian Gulf resulted in a number of quick and shallow analyses of Hussein's "mind." Karsh, an Israeli scholar at King's College in London, and Rautsi of the University of Helsinki have provided a detailed and dispassionate account of Hussein's rise to power and the political milieu in which he thrived. Relying on Western, Soviet, Arab, and Israeli sources, the authors meticulously trace the violent history of modern Iraq and the coming to power of the Ba'th Party. They also explain in depth how Hussein skillfully created "plots" that led to the physical elimination of his actual or imaginary opponents. Notwithstanding his ability to outmaneuver his domestic opponents, Hussein's ambitions to become the undisputed Arab leader led him into two catastrophic foreign ventures--the war against Iran, which ruined Iraq's economy, and his invasion of Kuwait, which resulted in the total destruction of Iraq's military and industrial capacity. This much-needed book is thorough, up-to-date, and highly readable. Recommended for scholars of the modern Middle East as well as informed laypersons. Previewed in "The Gulf War in Print," LJ 3/15/91.--Ed.
- Nader Entessar, Spring Hill Coll., Mobile, Ala.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Grove Press (December 17, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802139787
• ISBN-13: 978-0802139788
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 8.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,260,016 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An in-depth look at the rise and rule of a modern dictator, November 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Saddam Hussein: A Political Biography (Hardcover)

This is a fascinating read. The book does a very good job of outlining the background of Saddam Hussein and traces his rise to power with extraordinary insight. The authors have produced an essay that exposes the brutality and self-serving megalomania that is the Iraqi dictator. Anyone that seeks an in-depth look at the current problem with Iraq should certainly read this book.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Engrossing, well-written, and meticulously researched, March 21, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Saddam Hussein: A Political Biography (Paperback)

Rather than offer a lay psychoanalysis of the personality of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, the authors present a detailed account of his political career.

The intricate maze of Middle Eastern politics in the late 20th century is made understandable, even to someone without a firm grounding in the history of the region (no mean feat).

There are few major surprises in the book (unless you go into it thinking that Saddam Hussein attained and retains his position through lawful, humanitarian means...) but there is much that clarifies how the present world situation has reached the point that it has.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read about Hussein, May 19, 2003

By 

Patrick A. Golba (Trenton, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Saddam Hussein: A Political Biography (Paperback)

This book is one of the greatest anyone can buy about Saddam Hussein. It exposes him for what he is, a ruthless, bloody man who will backstab people just as easily as he will make deals with them. All things and ideals are just pawns in his game to continue his reign. Sanctions, Palestine, Israel, Arab Unity, Iraqi people, each are just pawns that he uses when it favors him, and attacks them when it favors him. The book goes into detail about how to Hussein EVERYTHING is allowed as long it furthers his own goals. An informative book that I would recommend to anyone interested in the topic.