Struggle for the Holy Land [Hardcover]

William Hare (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 9, 1995

A comprehensive historical study of the Middle East covering 3,500 years, from the Fertile Crescent to the creation of Israel. Written in a narrative historical style reminiscent of Theodore H. White and Arthur Schlessinger Jr., history is examined through the lives of the ndividuals shaping it, larger than life figures such as Muhammad, T.E. Lawrence, Winston Churchill, David Ben-Gurion, Chaim Weizmann, Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In order to provide a meaningful examination of the Middle East conflict, Hare begins with a discussion of Theodor Herzl and the roots of Zionism as far back as 1896. He also examines the roots and development of Arab civilization, beginning approximately 3,500 years ago, then devotes almost 100 pages to the legendary T. E. Lawrence, who led the Arab revolt against the Turks (1916^-18). Hare gives equal space to David Ben-Gurion, who organized resistance against the British and became Israel's first prime minister, and Chaim Weizmann, Israel's first president and the preeminent figure in Zionist politics. In detail, Hare traces their prolonged and tedious efforts to establish the State of Israel--interrupted by World War II and the Holocaust--and finally accomplished in 1948. Hare warns that to achieve peace in the Middle East all parties must come to grips with what each believes and with the ideals and concepts each holds near and dear. Such a task is not easy, he admits. Hare's book clearly defines the problem, but offers no concrete answers. George Cohen

About the Author

William Hare graduated from California State University at Northridge with a bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in History. After beginning his career in journalism with the Los Angeles Examiner and the Inglewood Daily News chain in the greater Los Angeles area, he later secured a law degree from San Fernando Valley College of Law, where he served as editor of his school's law review. In addition to his historical writing, Hare has also written extensively as a freelance movie historian, and is currently featured in the film magazine, Films of the Golden Age.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 380 pages
• Publisher: Madison Books (May 9, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568330405
• ISBN-13: 978-1568330402
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,063,736 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling new view of a centuries-old problem, October 2, 1999

By 

Tom McGee (Glasgow, Scotland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Struggle for the Holy Land (Hardcover)

William Hare uses an evenhanded approach to objectively analyse two thousand years of Middle East history in a compelling manner than entertains as well as it informs. Hare provides a solid point of intersection by shifting the action from Arab to Jewish viewpoint as the story unfolds, without favouring one nation over the other. I also appreciate that fact that the author connects the major events shaping the history of the region to the activities of the major powers involved there through the ages, such as the Ottoman Empire, Great Britain and the United States. 'Struggle for the Holy Land' is a must-read for the historical researcher as well as the concerned individual who wonders what the future might hold. As one who has worked and lived in the Middle East for several years, Mr Hare has greatly enhanced my understanding of this fascinating region where civilisation began. I cannot recommend this work highly enough.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars IF YOU CAN ONLY READ ONE BOOK ABOUT ISRAEL, LET THIS BE IT!, July 12, 2001

By 

P. Vasquez "Vasq" (Orange County, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Struggle for the Holy Land (Hardcover)

This was absolutely the BEST book I have ever read regarding the history of the conflict in Israel. I had been unable to find books about the early history of the area that didn't seem biased toward one point of view or the other. STRUGGLE FOR THE HOLY LAND provides a point of intersection in which the interests and aspirations of each side are carefully evaluated. William Hare is truly a talented author with a gift for presenting complex historical events in a way that even the non-history buff can understand and enjoy. Your only disappointment will be when there are no more pages to read! A rare find!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive examination of the Arab/Israel conflict, July 16, 2002

By 

Rob L. Wagner (Stockton, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Struggle for the Holy Land (Hardcover)

William Hare has an extensive background in journalism and interest in world affairs, and it is evident in this book, "Struggle For the Holy Land." Through his investigation, he presents a succinct and thorough report on a complex topic in which solutions to the Arab and Israeli conflict have eluded the world's top leaders. Hare puts the conflict in proper context with an emphasis on the Arab and Israeli leaders who shaped policies generations ago. Particularly compelling are the roles of T.E. Lawrence, David Ben-Gurion and Zionist leader Chaim Weizmann. While much has happened since the book was written in 1995, it remains, in my opinion, a definitive look in historical terms. If anything, it explains well the events that led to the bloodshed we see today. I highly recommend it.