The History of Saudi Arabia

by Wayne H. Bowen, Frank W. Thackeray (Editor), John E. Findling (Editor)

Overview

The revised edition of this comprehensive survey follows the political, military, religious, economic, and diplomatic history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from pre-Muhammad times to the present day.

With its huge oil reserves and notoriety regarding human rights issues, Saudi Arabia has long been a country in the global spotlight. This book traces the long history of this desert region, from the times before the creation of Saudi Arabia, to the political activities of the modern Saudi state, to recent developments in Arab and Muslim culture, enabling readers to grasp the country's key importance in 21st-century global politics.

Educator and author Wayne H. Bowen provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of Saudi Arabia's history that makes clear this nation's political and economic significance as well as its vital role in the history and development of Islam. The second edition includes the most notable events from the past 10 years, such as King Abdullah's economic reforms after the 2011 Arab Spring protests and the passing of a law allowing women to vote. Organized chronologically, the revised edition contains updated appendices, an expanded bibliography featuring electronic resources, and new photographs and maps.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781610698764
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	12/02/2014
Series:	The Greenwood Histories of the Modern Nations
Edition description:	2nd Revised ed.
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 10.90(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Wayne H. Bowen, PhD, is professor and chair of the department of history as well as director of university studies at Southeast Missouri State University.

Table of Contents

Series Foreword vii

Preface xi

Timeline of Historical Events xv

1 Introduction: Saudi Arabia Today 1

2 Arabia before Muhammad (to A.D. 570) 23

3 The Prophet Muhammad and the Arabs (A.D. 570-700) 45

4 Arabia and the Muslim Empires (700-1700) 65

5 The House of Sand (1700-1902) 83

6 The Creation of Saudi Arabia (1902-1932) 103

7 The Kingdom of Ibn Saud (1932-1973) 123

8 Saudi Arabia in the Modern World (1973-2001) 143

9 The Iron Domino (2001-2014) 159

Notable People in the History of Saudi Arabia 169

Glossary 177

Annotated Bibliography 181

Index 189

Editorial Reviews

The History of Saudi Arabia is an exceptionally informative and thoroughly 'reader friendly' introduction to the history of Saudi Arabia. Very highly recommended for community and academic library World History reference collections. Ideal for the non-specialist general reader with an interest in knowing this history and evolution of Saudi Arabia.” —Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher