Palestine: A Four Thousand Year History

A meticulously researched and timely book that surveys with a wide vision the history of Palestine. To describe it, I could do no better than to quote from Professor Masalha’s Introduction. The book “explores the evolution of the concept, histories, identity, languages and cultures of Palestine from the Late Bronze Age to the modern era." Despite the enormous weight of politically-motivated ‘narrative’ that it must confront, there is no sense of ‘agenda’ other than to provide the most accurate, complete, and multi-faceted history of the region and people that is possible. He does not lecture. The result is "political" in the sense that it reduces to myth much of the common "narrative" used to justify the current political situation in Palestine; but the fault lies with the cobwebs he clears, not the author’s level-headed exploration of the historical record. It seems that even the book’s utterly innocuous title is judged by some to be controversial. Prof Masahla properly separates the concept of Palestine as understood as regional and territorially based, versus as a "country". That Palestine in the sense of country has existed "across more than three millennia" is, as he demonstrates, simple historical fact. What one does with this as regards ongoing politics is another matter --- for example, I for one do not think the present situation changes according to whether or not "Palestine existed", or whether the Old Testament realms "existed" in the sense that those using them for political purposes claim. To be sure, the book by no means neglects Biblical history. The author considers these essential, but treats them for what they are.

This well written history of Palestine should be on the reading list of anyone who’s interested in freedom for the Palestinians. Yes, it is a long book, but well worth the time and effort to slowly read through the truth. I would recommend this book to everyone.

Masalha illustrates the richness of Palestinian history, which is multicultural and not monocultural, as the West and Zionists often portray it. He shows the continuity of the people and traditions of Palestine over hundreds, even thousands of years. The history of Palestine includes various Canaanites, Hebrews, Arabs, and other Semites, as well as Greeks, Persians, Crusaders, and others. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Masalha has done a wonderful job summarizing around 4,000 years of Palestinian history.

Extremely detailed, informative about thousands of years history of Palestine. Graduate-level reading. I find it fascinating.

The best work on the entire history of the Palestinian people. Well written, concise, and reliable sources quoted.

Palestine: A Four Thousand Year History by Nur Masalha delves into the variations of the name of Palestine as well as the history of the peoples who have inhabited the land for the past four thousand years. Masalha explains the reasons the names have slight variations over time, mostly linguistic variations of the same name. He illustrates how the culture has changed over the years as well as traditions that have survived. Palestine: A Four Thousand Year History details the importance of the ports and the land for trade among myriad countries. Masalha also delves the importance of farming to Palestine over the past four thousand years. He really focuses on how the name of Palestine and the people have survived over the past four thousand years. He demonstrates how multi-cultural Palestine was for centuries as well as how myriad religions survived in land with the peoples of those religions interacting peacefully, building community, and living as friends and neighbors. While at times, the writing can be a bit academic, the research is well done and well presented. Palestine: A Four Thousand Year History traces the history of the people of Palestine proving it was never a land without a people.

Unbiased! The book is supported by ancient documents from the lands of Palestine and its neighbors. I have both the hard copy and the audio book. It is well written and original sources are enumerated.

If you would like to learn about the real history of Palestinian history you should read it.

Very fast. Thanks for caring.

nice

Haven't had time to read this but I'm sure I will enjoy.

When I ordered this book, the platform shown left 2 books, so I quickly bought it. But never expect that when I received the book, the goods was in bad shape: it is old and a bit dusty outside, the pages are folded and the edge of the book is being damaged. Overall this book is somehow being kept for a long time and pushed by other books to a corner, it is not well kept for sale. I have no comment on the story of this book.

Masalha's meticulous research traces Palestine's rich history, from ancient times to the present day, shedding light on its diverse cultures, religions, and peoples. Through a balanced narrative, the author challenges prevailing narratives and examines the multifaceted layers of identity, politics, and conflicts that have shaped the land. Highly recommended.