Contrary to the conventional wisdom that sectarianism is intrinsically linked to violence; bloodshed; or social disharmony; Max Weiss uncovers the complex roots of Shi`i sectarianism in twentieth-century Lebanon.The template for conflicted relations between the Lebanese state and Shi`i society arose under French Mandate rule through a process of gradual transformation; long before the political mobilization of the Shi`i community under the charismatic Imam Musa al-Sadr and his Movement of the Deprived; and decades before the radicalization linked to Hizballah. Throughout the period; the Shi`i community was buffeted by crosscutting political; religious; and ideological currents: transnational affiliations versus local concerns; the competing pull of Arab nationalism and Lebanese nationalism; loyalty to Jabal `Amil; the cultural heartland of Shi`i Lebanon; and the modernization of religious and juridical traditions.Uncoupling the beginnings of modern Shi`i collective identity from the rise of political Shi`ism; Weiss transforms our understanding of the nature of sectarianism and shows why in Lebanon it has been both so productive and so destructive at the same time.
#1072254 in Books Harvard University Press 2010-02-25 2010-01-11Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.45 x 1.17 x 7.01l; 1.46 #File Name: 0674036026360 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A truly great readBy Suriya WickremasingheNever have I enjoyed a "serious read" so much. I read it first speedily; as one might a whodunnit to know what happens next. I then read it again; to savour each intriguing detail; and to enjoy the full flavour of Neff's consummate style; of which I know no equal. He takes the reader on an exciting voyage of discovery; with due warning whenever rough seas are approaching; so that you face them confident of sailing safely into the next harbour. I started off with shamefully little knowledge of the American Civil War. And; though I am a lawyer; my generation did not have the law of war as part of our international law syllabus; it being - with an optimism that now seems incredible - assumed no longer relevant to post World War Two. So everything was new; and fascinating. An added bonus is the book's extraordinary relevance to the present day.One certainly does not need a legal background to enjoy this book. But I would recommend it to the cognoscenti too (for which read also smarty-pants know-alls) for its value as an example of a true erudition which is unassuming; unpretentious; and gently witty. I only wish there were a paperback edition so that I could buy lots of copies for friends. As it is; I have been badgering pals all over the world to buy their own. Repeated checks on ; alas; show that second hand copies of Neff's books; if available at all; are generally as or more expensive than new.Suriya Wickremasinghe (Sri Lanka)0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. excellent bookBy MablyThis is a truley inspiring book and a must have for all Civil War historians.This is a superficial overview of the Civil War and law; but one that will not disappoint.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Interesting legal history of US Civil WarBy César González RoucoI was surprised that no one else had made a comment before to this work and somehow worried I could not understand it. Far from that; it is easy to follow and in order to savour it one only needs to be a curious layperson. However; although the subject is very interesting; because of the author's style; the book; without being dry; is not engaging: certainly it will not become a best-seller. So my rate is between 5 (content) and 3 (pleasure).I will also suggest reading the following books on Lincoln and/or the Civil War in addition to this work: 1) "Lincoln: a biography" by Benjamin P. Thomas (a classical biography; written more than half a century ago which has passed the test of time with brilliant qualifications); 2) "Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era" by James M. McPherson (nowadays the standard; very readable; one-volume history of US Civil War); 3) "What This Cruel War Was Over: Soldiers; Slavery; and the Civil War" by Chandra Manning (slavery as the prime cause of the Civil War); 4) "Perilous Times: Free Speech in Wartime: From the Sedition Act of 1798 to the War on Terrorism" by Geoffrey R. Stone; specially chapter II "The Civil War: Mr. Lincoln's First Amendment" (in fact; all the book is worth-reading); and 5) "Lincoln's Constitution" by Daniel Farber (how Abraham Lincoln faced the constitutional issues brought on by the US Civil War).
