40 black-and-white photographs and illustrations. 4 maps. Index. Appendix. Bibliography. Suggested reading. Chronology. Basic facts. Sidebars. 352 Pages. 6 x 9.

A Brief History of Saudi Arabia redresses the lack of suitable references to this unique and important country and offers a balanced, informed perspective on its long history.
This readable and comprehensive overview of the history of Saudi Arabia places the political, economic, and cultural events of today into a broad historical context. It provides a concise yet thorough account of the genesis of Saudi Arabia, from the geology of its land mass and its settlement in prehistoric times through recent events that have reminded the world of Saudi Arabia's strategic importance to global peace and stability.

Special attention is given to:
Pre-Islamic Arabia
Bedouin society and culture
The birth and spread of Islam
The development of and philosophy behind Wahhabism
The origins of the House of Saud
Saudi Arabia's role in the Middle East
Saudi Arabia's relationship to the United States
The battle between conservative and progressive elements in the monarchy today.