Kurdistan: In the Shadow of History (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Dismantled in the aftermath of World War I, Kurdistan is little more than a lingering memory among millions of living Kurds, against whom are pitted the governments of Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Iraq. Susan Meiselas gathers historical documents, maps, charts, and photographs that document the changing fortunes of the Kurdish people in the 20th century; anthropologist Martin Van Bruinessen provides ethnographic commentary on this mountain tribe's way of life. Kurdistan: In the Shadow of History helps bring the memory of Kurdistan and the reality of the present situation to the attention of readers unfamiliar with the region.

From School Library Journal

YAAThe first page of this unique photodocumentary shows a wide vista in Iraq. The mountains look peaceful and empty of human life. Turning the page, readers see a different reality. Thousands of Kurds with everything they own are refugees once more. This time they flee the aftermath of the Gulf War, but this is not the first time they have fled their homes. Meiselas traced families through these photos and then found more information and pictures as she met new survivors. Thus, Kurdistan acts as both a personal testimony and a historical record. On the human level, the book exposes a terrible history in brilliant photos along with compelling narratives of the long Kurdish struggle. It also serves as an excellent resource for primary-source material. The accounts are from all sides and this challenges readers to form their own opinions. This is an emotionally charged, compelling record that is bound to have a tremendous impact on its readers.ARebecca L. Woodcock, formerly of Alderman Library, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 388 pages
• Publisher: Random House; 1st edition (October 28, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679423893
• ISBN-13: 978-0679423898
• Product Dimensions: 12.6 x 10.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,156,203 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not your average coffee table book..., February 3, 2002

By	P. J Lambert "pjlambert" (United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For those with an interest in Kurdish studies, this volume is a must. Recording the history of this nation-less state, Meisalis has done an extraordinary job of compiling not only the traditional linear history, but has added a caleidoscope of supporting documentation, to include rare pictures,maps, letters, etc.... I value this book as a cornerstone of my collection of books dealing with the history of this region (Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria). As mentioned in other reviews, this is a weighty tome (literally). Well worth the look for the pictures alone!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars superb, November 24, 2000

By A Customer

This fantastic book is designed as a scrapbook of over 100 years of Kurdish history. It pieces together photographs, newspaper clippings, and excerpts from letters to present the story of the Kurds and their persistent, ultimately unsuccessful attempts to gain independence.

Major events and figures are covered in all the regions of Kurdistan - Southeast Turkey, Eastern Syria, and Northwest Iran. I would recommend this book to anyone as a primer on political events in the Middle East during the 20th century. Be warned that this volume is literally quite heavy.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book but it misses alot of other information, November 28, 1998

By A Customer

I know a Kurdish scholar who has many more information in pictures about Kurdish Aghas and leaders with many more authenticated stories. I wish Ms Susan had put more effort to explore them. But the book is a very good documentary on Kurdustan and part of the real Kurds.