Religious intoleranceand conflict Books

Book SynopsisJakarta, 2014. Hendra is ?Radikal'', a techno DJ at the top of his game. In his relentless pursuit of new highs, he likes to lose himself in music and drugs. But when a childhood trauma resurfaces, even his love for Jasmine cannot prevent him from falling into a self-destructive downward spiral. As he grapples with his inner demons and an Indonesia caught between tradition and modernity, Hendra is vulnerable to the extremist ideology that begins to infiltrate his world. No longer able to find solace in techno and ecstasy, he is presented with a new purpose in life and a focus for his pent-up rage: jihad.

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Book SynopsisHow identity politics failed one particular identity.A must read and if you think YOU don't need to read it, that's just the clue to know you do' SARAH SILVERMANA masterpiece'' STEPHEN FRYJews Don't Count is a book for people on the right side of history. People fighting the good fight against homophobia, disablism, transphobia and, particularly, racism. People, possibly, like you.It is the comedian and writer David Baddiel's contention that one type of racism has been left out of this fight. In his unique combination of reasoning, polemic, personal experience and jokes, Baddiel argues that those who think of themselves as on the right side of history have often ignored the history of anti-Semitism. He outlines why and how, in a time of intensely heightened awareness of minorities, Jews don't count as a real minority.Trade Review‘Jews Don’t Count is a supreme piece of reasoning and passionate, yet controlled, argument. From his first sentence, the energy, force and conviction of Baddiel’s writing and thinking will transfix you…as readable as an airport thriller…a masterpiece.’STEPHEN FRY ‘I don’t think I have ever been so grateful to anyone for writing a book. Baddiel’s Jews Don’t Count is incisive, urgent, surprisingly funny and short. It’s also a beautiful piece of publishing. It needs to be read’JAY RAYNER ‘Brilliant, furious, uncomfortable, funny. Essential reading.’SIMON MAYO ‘I'm about a quarter of the way into this thus far and it's very well argued and written. It's a book you know the author HAD to write, and those are the best books’JON RONSON ‘I only big up work I really believe is good and this is extra-ordinarily good. And important’JONATHAN ROSS ‘This is brilliant – funny and furious, mostly at the same time’MARINA HYDE ‘A convincing and devastating charge sheet’ Dominic Lawson, Sunday Times ‘It is so gripping – I read it in a single sitting’ Stephen Bush, The Times ‘A fascinating book, I urge you to read it’ Piers Morgan ‘I really think it’s a great book … the real triumph is its tone, its straightforwardness, and its spectacular tact and wit’ Adam Phillips, author of Monogamy ‘this short and powerful book shows, with remarkable humanity and humour, that no contemporary conversation about racism is complete without confronting antisemitism. An essential read – and a compulsory one too, if I had my way.’ Sathnam Sanghera ‘Funny, complex and intellectually satisfying – a really good piece of work’ Frankie Boyle ‘Just so brilliantly argued and written, I was completely swept along’ Hadley Freeman ‘David Baddiel is a brilliant thinker and writer. Even when I disagree with him – especially when I disagree with him – I feel profound gratitude for his intellectual and moral clarity. This is a brave and necessary book.’ Jonathan Safran Foer

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Book Synopsis*THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER**SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOLFSON HISTORY PRIZE**A TIMES, SUNDAY TIMES AND BBC HISTORY BOOK OF THE YEAR*''A bona fide historical classic'' Sunday Times''Simply one of the best history books I have ever read'' BBC HistoryIn the frontier town of Springfield in 1651, peculiar things begin to happen. Precious food spoils, livestock ails and property vanishes. People suffer fits and are plagued by strange visions and dreams. Children sicken and die. As tensions rise, rumours spread of witches and heretics, and the community becomes tangled in a web of spite, distrust and denunciation. The finger of suspicion falls on a young couple struggling to make a home and feed their children: Hugh Parsons the irascible brickmaker and his troubled wife, Mary. It will be their downfall.The Ruin of All Witches tells the dark, real-life folktale of witch-hunting iTrade ReviewA bona fide historical classic ... Historical writing of the very highest class, impeccably researched and written with supreme imagination and wisdom. -- Dominic Sandbrook * Sunday Times *Unforgettable ... Whether you read The Ruin of All Witches for a startling insight into another age, or see its portrait of mob hysteria and witch-hunts as darkly analogous to our own uneasy times, this is one of those rare history books that stays with you and haunts you long after you have turned the last page. Superb. -- Christopher Hart * Sunday Times *The genius of Gaskill's book lies in his meticulous piecing together of daily life in New England ... Gaskill tells this deeply tragic story with immense empathy and compassion, as well as historical depth. A compelling study that offers a chilling insight into human nature in an age of superstition. -- PD Smith * The Guardian *Breathtaking ... a great story, exquisitely told. I had to reread certain sentences aloud, just to savour their insight and cadence ... This book is history at its illuminative best. -- Gerard DeGroot * The Times *The narrative is as compelling as a campfire story ... This is deeply atmospheric writing, carefully sourced ... As with the best history, the lessons of Springfield's past may serve to inform the citizens of a still-divided and conflicted nation. -- Erica Wagner * Financial Times *Evocative right from the start, the reader is drawn in and excited in both body and mind ... It's a feast ... a valuable gift to every reader of history. -- Marion Gibson * BBC History Magazine *A portrait of a community during one of the first Puritan witch panics in the New World - and a timeless study of how paranoia, superstition and social unrest fuel fantasies ... Mr Gaskill's immersive approach brings the fate of his subjects movingly to life. * The Economist *Simply one of the best history books I have ever read ... His deeply imaginative, empathetic and yet empirical exploration of a past moment of crisis is history at its finest. -- Suzannah Lipscomb * BBC History *A rich and beautifully written microhistory ... a work of remarkable historical reconstruction. -- Edward Vallance * Literary Review *Malcolm Gaskill shows us with filmic vividness the daily life of the riven, marginal community of Springfield, where settlers from a far country dwell on the edge of the unknown. The clarity of his thought and his writing, his insight, and the immediacy of the telling, combine to make this the best and most enjoyable kind of history writing. Malcolm Gaskill goes to meet the past on its own terms and in its own place, and the result is thought-provoking and absorbing. -- Hilary MantelA surefooted and gripping narrative ... Gaskill's Springfield joins Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie's Montaillou, Tony Wrigley's Colyton and other places of little intrinsic importance which for one reason or another have been immortalised by modern historiography... There is currently no memorial for Hugh and Mary Parsons in Springfield like those which have been erected in other places where witches were hunted. Perhaps they will get one now. -- Keith Thomas * London Review of Books *Reads with the fluency of a novel ... Crucially, Gaskill writes to make us see the world as those early Puritans saw it; how their own psychological fears, of financial ruin, of neighbours, of Native Americans and the hostile elements, could seed the first accusations of witchcraft. -- Samira Ahmend * The New Humanist *An impressively researched account, bringing to life the fears and preoccupations of obscure and humble people, and setting them in the context of their time and place. -- Richard Francis * The Spectator *Powerfully evocative, a grimly compelling morality tale with more than one unexpected twist ... an outstanding achievement, haunting, revelatory and superbly written - a strong contender for the best history book of 2021. -- Andrew Lynch * Irish Independent *A pulsating history of sorcery and superstition ... an academic feat but reads like a Stephen King thriller - and it's just right for our conspiracy-laden times. -- Robert Epstein * The i *A riveting micro-history, brilliantly set within the broader social and cultural history of witchcraft. Drawing on previously neglected source material, this book is elegantly written and full of intelligent analysis. * Wolfson History Prize 2022 *

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Book SynopsisTrue inspirational stories of women who are former Muslims still living in the Middle East but who are now passionate followers of Christ.Trade Review'As mentors and friends, no one has shown us more about how to love our Muslim neighbors than Tom and JoAnn Doyle. The true stories captured in these pages will inspire your faith and awaken your heart to the powerful move of God happening among women in the Middle East. Make no mistake, the church is alive and unstoppable!' --Bryson Vogeltanz, president and CEO, Partners International; and Emily Vogeltanz'Disillusioned with flat Christianity? Wondering if God still does miracles? Afraid your life can't make an impact? Then this is the book for you. Women Who Risk is a peek behind the veil to the personal battles and miraculous movements of the spiritual warriors of our day. These new Jesus followers, and their real-life stories of vulnerability, faith, challenge, and courage, will not only inspire your own spiritual journey but also help you see the God who sees you.' --Kadi Cole, leadership consultant, executive coach, and author, Developing Female Leaders'Eye-opening, awe-inspiring, praise-evoking--Women Who Risk is an exhilarating peek behind the veil to see how, despite the danger, Jesus is reaching and empowering Muslim women to live for him. Let our friends, Tom and JoAnn, take you on an exhilarating journey of discovery that will enrich your faith and encourage your soul. You'll be riveted and enthralled by these astounding stories!' --Lee and Leslie Strobel, authors, Spiritual Mismatch and The Case for Christ'For many years we have read books aloud together in the evenings. Among the very best and most edifying have been the works of Tom Doyle. But with the release of Women Who Risk, Tom, now joined by JoAnn, have outdone themselves. The book reads like an adventure novel--fast-paced, intriguing, spiritually edifying, and faith building. We couldn't put it down.' --J. P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University; and Hope Moreland'Heartbreaking and inspiring, Women Who Risk unveils the incredible stories that are currently happening in the Muslim world. Women are meeting Jesus in unprecedented numbers and in supernatural ways. Warning: This book is a page-turner that will grip your heart and blow your mind. It reads like the Acts of the Apostles. God is great!' --Jim Tomberlin, author; merger specialist, The Unstuck Group; and chief of staff, Christ Fellowship, Miami, Florida; and Deryl Tomberlin'I love the stories in this book--many of which brought tears to my eyes--as they are snapshots of what God is doing among the Muslim women in the Middle East today. Jesus is pouring His special grace on Muslim women because He came to set the captives free, and in Islam, it is the women who are oppressed and treated as slaves. The greatest weapon we have against the dark spirit of Islam is love.' --Hormoz Shariat, president, Iran Alive Ministries; and Donnell Shariat'Jesus is rescuing women in the Muslim world! Their beautifully told stories will encourage your own faith and leave you in awe at the Savior who is unwilling that any--including those shackled in the bondage of Islam--should perish (2 Pet. 3:9).' --Todd Nettleton, radio host, The Voice of the Martyrs; and Charlotte Nettleton, Wesleyan Christian School'Like war correspondents, Tom and JoAnn Doyle report from behind enemy lines about the spiritual combat conditions we, who live under a Declaration of Independence, cannot comprehend. Women Who Risk is not fiction. These are all real-life stories that have been lived out in the midst of savage brutality and unmitigated evil. There is a higher battle than the ones played out in the Middle East today. It's a battle for human souls. Here is wrenching fear and pain transformed to ecstatic joy, a gritty, compelling account of our world God calls us Christians to confront with His transforming power.' --Jeanne Hendricks, speaker, author, and wife of the late Dr. Howard Hendricks'My heart was gripped to read the stories of women in the Middle East who, facing desperate situations, are utterly transformed by Jesus. If it can happen to them, then there is hope for any relationship here! Open these pages and enter a world where God's power is on display in astounding ways!' --Bruce Peppin, author, The Best is Yet to Be, and speaker, Finishing Life Well; and Kathleen Peppin'No couple has inspired us more than Tom and JoAnn Doyle as they fearlessly and faithfully walk side-by-side into the darkest places on earth. All to share Christ with those who desperately need to hear it and in places no one else has dared to go. Their riveting stories will open your eyes to the pain and ignite your passion to join Christ in His mighty work of saving, healing, and loving the Muslim world.' --Jason Elam, special ambassador, Bible translation, Seed Company, and former NFL kicker; and Tamy Elam, advocate, Seed Company'The stories in this book have broken my heart, put tears on my face, and pressed me to my knees in prayer for women who have risked everything to follow Jesus. Their steadfast faith when facing death, their strength to endure abuse, their courage to bear witness of the Truth, and their sheer joy in Jesus make them women to emulate. Read this, and you will love Jesus more and be filled with gratitude that He loves you, and me, and women everywhere. Thank you, Tom and JoAnn Doyle, for these incredible, jaw-dropping stories.' --Anne Graham Lotz, author, Jesus In Me'This book is a powerful portrait of spiritual heroism. Tom and JoAnn Doyle have woven together incredibly impacting true stories of women in the Middle East, women whose courageous walk of faith is a testament to the resurrection power of the Savior who has changed their lives. It also illustrates profoundly how Christ cares about women, and cares infinitely.' --Craig Parshall, New York Times bestselling author and senior vice president, National Religious Broadcasters; and Janet Parshall, radio host, nationally syndicated In the Market'Tom and JoAnn are a dynamic team in every way! Their love and passion for Jesus and for each other overflow into every life whom God places in their path. You, too, will be touched as you read the engaging stories of real-life women who are also bringing Christ's light into the dark world of Islam.' --Mike and Cheri Fitzsimmons, founders, Morningstar Transformational Tours'Tom and JoAnn Doyle are courageous, Holy Spirit--filled Christians with a willingness to brave dangerous circumstances, risk personal safety, and lay down their lives for those to whom they minister. I deeply appreciate their dedication to both Muslims and the Jewish people, bringing them the message of God's love through Jesus the Messiah. This book will advance your understanding and prayer burden for some of the most marginalized and imperiled believers in the world.' --Mitch Glaser, president, Chosen People Ministries; and Zhava Glaser'Tom and JoAnn not only have the pulse of the Middle East; they care deeply for women. How might we see a movement of God through war and famine? Through Women Who Risk!' --Jeff Gerhardt, CEO, Centix Life Technologies, and board chairman, Uncharted Ministries; and Heather Gerhardt, worship leader and content creator, YouTube channel'We are living in a world full of injustices. One of the greatest being the plight of Muslim women. Tom and JoAnn not only have given a look into that world but also have revealed how God is powerfully penetrating what has been closed--setting Muslim women free to share and demonstrate God's love to those around them. Indeed, God is at work in miraculous ways!' --David Ecklebarger, former president and CEO, Spanish House Ministries/Unilit; and Cathy Ecklebarger'We were captivated from the very first page with the identification of these women as Secret Agents for Jesus in the Muslim World. The miracle of their heart healing, the powerful testimony of how they daily bear witness of Jesus' love by word and deed in a dangerous world, confronts us to live beyond our religion. We need to see and hear and reach out as they do, with Jesus' heart.' --Ray Bentley, pastor, Maranatha Chapel; and Vicki Bentley'Women Who Risk is an inspiring, challenging peek inside the real world of some of Tom and JoAnn's friends who know 'the cost of discipleship' very few of us in America will ever have to consider. This book will change the way you think about giving your life away and lead you to be willing to pay a greater price in following Jesus regardless of the cost!' --Todd Peterson, former NFL kicker; chairman, Pro Athletes Outreach; chairman emeritus, Seed Company; and board member, Passion City Church; and Susan Peterson, founder and CEO, Relish and Cabell's Designs, and board trustee, Young Life'Women Who Risk is your chance to walk through some of the world's most challenging places with JoAnn and Tom Doyle. Their riveting accounts are of bold women whom Jesus has met through their dreams, visions, and miracles. This book is a powerful read that will stretch your faith and inspire you to live with courage for the kingdom.' --Bob Shank, founder and CEO, The Master's Program; and Cheri Shank, special events and women's program, The Master's Program'Women Who Risk reads like pages from a modern-day book of Acts, with twists and turns at every corner. The testimonies grab the heart, fascinate our faith, and challenge the very core of our Christianity. These stories are crucial for this hour in history, a time of global unrest and uncertainty. These sisters and brothers are models of the saints who depend on the trustworthy lordship of Jesus, His love, God's supernatural power, and miracles. God will use this book to transform your life, turning your heart to repentance, gratitude, and compassion.' --Joshua Lingel, president, Mission Muslim World University and i2 Ministries; and Sara Lingel'Women Who Risk revolves around two incredible truths. The first is the power of Jesus to change the hearts and lives of women and their families in the Muslim world. And the second is the amazing way God has used Tom and JoAnn Doyle to introduce us to these modern-day heroes of the faith. Grab a cup of qahwa (Turkish coffee) or shay (Turkish tea) and sit down to read these amazing stories of Muslim women who have come to know, follow, and proclaim Jesus. But be sure to grab a large mug and choose a comfortable chair because you won't be able to stop reading once you begin.' --Charles Dyer, professor at large, Moody Bible Institute, and radio host, The Land and the Book; and Kathy Dyer

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“As an ideological refresher on what the West got right, Shapiro’s book gets the job done.” — The Washington Post Shapiro cavorts through 3,000 years of intellectual history in the span of about 250 pages, offering a perspicuous, “user-friendly” dive into some of our civilization’s biggest ideas. — The Washington Examiner “Ben Shapiro knows the power of his voice. He stands up and fights for what he believes with time-tested ideas. The Right Side of History is thoughtful and well-reasoned - exactly what Shapiro’s critics don’t want you to hear.” — Nikki Haley, former premanent representative of the U.S. Mission of the United Nations

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Book SynopsisFROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE SILK ROADS ''Filled with Byzantine intrigue, in every sense this book is important, compellingly revisionist and impressive in its scholarly use of totally fresh sources'' Simon Sebag Montefiore In 1096, an expedition of extraordinary scale and ambition set off from Western Europe on a mass pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Three years later, after a journey which saw acute hardship, the most severe dangers and thousands of casualties, the knights of the First Crusade found themselves storming the fortifications and capturing the Holy City. Against all the odds, the expedition had returned Jerusalem to Christian hands. In ''the most significant contribution to rethinking the origins and course of the First Crusade for a generation'' (Mark Whittow, TLS), Frankopan paints a strikingly original picture of this infamous confrontation between Christianity and Islam. Focusing on ConstantTrade ReviewFrankopan has written a remarkable book that makes as strong case as the incomplete and episodic evidence permits * Literary Review *Scholarly and yet accessible, and unashamedly partisan, The First Crusade, as any vibrant history should, is bound to set a lot of feathers flying * Daily Telegraph *A dazzling book, perfectly combining deep scholarship and easy readability. The most important addition to Crusading literature since RuncimanA nuanced and often counterintuitive story of power politics, international diplomacy and war and, ultimately that very rare thing - a truly fresh interpretation of an old story * Time Out *Frankopan's qualities as a historian and writer are of a high order * BBC History Magazine *

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Book SynopsisSarbjit Kaur Athwal is a British Indian, whose sister-in-law Surjit was the victim of an honour killing. Sarbjit secretly and bravely campaigned for justice for Surjit, seeking murder convictions for her husband's mother and brother. They were jailed, but Sarbjit continues to receive death threats and ostracisation by the Sikh community. She has since become a police community support officer, in gratitude for the staunch support of Detective Chief Inspector Clive Driscoll.Trade ReviewA horrific story of appalling murder and awesome courage. * Daily Mail *I felt moved by this book as the experiences resonate with many of the victims that we deal with every day. It also highlights how honour systems within family and community dynamics can paralyse someone into a place of great fear. It takes a great amount of courage to speak out. Sarbjit has been significant to enabling others to peer into the life of a family that put honour before a life. My hope is that this story will encourage many not to be silent but to come forward and speak out. As a campaigner in this field I give credit to this story that seeks to break the silences of many. * Jasvinder Sanghera CBE, Chief Executive of Karma Nirvana and bestselling author of SHAME and DAUGHTERS OF SHAME *A horrific story of appalling murder and awesome courage. * Daily Mail *I felt moved by this book as the experiences resonate with many of the victims that we deal with every day. It also highlights how honour systems within family and community dynamics can paralyse someone into a place of great fear. It takes a great amount of courage to speak out. Sarbjit has been significant to enabling others to peer into the life of a family that put honour before a life. My hope is that this story will encourage many not to be silent but to come forward and speak out. As a campaigner in this field I give credit to this story that seeks to break the silences of many. * Jasvinder Sanghera CBE, Chief Executive of Karma Nirvana and bestselling author of SHAME and DAUGHTERS OF SHAME *

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Book Synopsis''Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man: we shall this day light such a candle by God''s grace in England, as, I trust, shall never be put out.''Hugh Latimer''s famous words of consolation to Nicholas Ridley as they are both about to be burnt alive for heresy come from John Foxe''s magisterial Acts and Monuments, popularly known as the Book of Martyrs. This vast collection of unforgettable accounts of religious persecution exerted as great an influence on early modern England and New England as the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. It contains many stirring stories of the apprehension, interrogation, imprisonment, and execution of alleged heretics. The narratives not only attest to the fortitude of individuals who suffered for their faith not many years before the birth of Shakespeare, but they also constitute exciting tales filled with graphic details and verbal wit.This modernized selection also includes some of the famous woodcuts that illustrated the original text, as well as providing a comprehensive introduction to Foxe''s life and times and the martyrology narrative. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World''s Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford''s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.Table of ContentsSELECT NARRATIVES

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Book SynopsisCrusading fervour gripped Europe for over 200 years, creating one of the most extraordinary, vivid episodes in world history. Whether the Crusades are regarded as the most romantic of Christian expeditions, or the last of the barbarian invasions, they have fascinated generations ever since, and their legacy of ideas and imagery has resonated through the centuries, inspiring Hollywood movies and great works of literature. Even today, to invoke the Crusades is to stir deep cultural myths, assumptions and prejudices.Yet despite their powerful hold on our imaginations, our knowledge of them remains obscured an distorted by time. Were the Crusaders motivated by spiritual rewards, or by greed? Were the Crusades an experiment in European colonialism, or a manifestation of religious love? How were they organized and founded?With customary flair and originality, Christopher Tyerman picks his way through the many debates to present a clear and lively discussion of the Crusades; bringing together issues of colonialism, cultural exchange, economic exploitation, and the relationship between past and present. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewSmall but impressive * Soldier Magazine *Table of Contents1. Definition and Scope ; 2. Sources and Perspectives ; 3. Holy War ; 4. Holy lands ; 5. The Business of the Cross Conclusion ; Conclusion ; Further reading

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Book SynopsisIn twelfth century Languedoc a subversive heresy of Eastern origin flourished to an extraordinary degree. The Albingenses believed that the world was created by an evil spirit, and that all worldly things - including the Church - were by nature sinful.Jonathan Sumption''s acclaimed history examines the roots of the heresy, the uniquely rich culture of the region which nurtured it, and the crusade launched against it by the Church which resulted in one of the most savage of all medieval wars.''[Sumption] never fails to keep his narrative lively with the particular and the pertinent. He is excellent on the tactics and spirit of medieval warfare.'' Frederic Raphael, Sunday Times

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Book SynopsisFrom Partition to Brexit provides an authoritative and accessible analysis of how successive Irish governments have tried to overcome the challenges presented by the division of Ireland, including the decades-long conflict that claimed thousands of lives.Trade Review'Enthralling, insightful and meticulously researched. Anyone who wants to understand how successive Irish Governments have engaged with Northern Ireland should read it.'Bertie Ahern, Taoiseach, 1997-2008, key negotiator of the Good Friday and St Andrews Agreements ‘Brilliant, lucid and thought-provoking - required reading for anyone who wants to understand relations between these islands and the importance of the Border.’David McCullagh. Presenter of the current affairs television programme Prime Time, and Political Correspondent with RTÉ News‘successfully expose[s] … the true extent of the [Irish Government’s] ambivalences and inconsistencies, using an impressive wealth of archival material in both Britain and Ireland unavailable to an earlier generation of researchers.’Diarmaid Ferriter, Irish Times, 5 January 2019‘The book is superb for anyone who wants to know why Ireland is where it is now and how the two parts of Ireland have treated each other for nigh on to a century.’Frank MacGabhann, Irish Examiner, 23 February 2019‘Ó Beacháin has broken new ground and provided a useful map for a generation of political scientists and historians.’Seán Donlon (former Secretary-General of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs), History Ireland, March-April 2019'Ó Beachain’s familiarity with the subject and impressive archival research deserves recognition for composing a text that is both enjoyable and informative … This book offers a concise and engaging narrative of the evolution of Irish government policy towards Northern Ireland … Ó Beacháin’s sharp wit and eye for an entertaining quotation penetrates the weighty subject matter with great success'Aaron Ó Maonaigh, The Irish Story‘Donnacha Ó Beacháin’s lively, illuminating and occasionally tendentious study…provides not only a new perspective on the history of Northern Ireland, but also a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings and identity crises of the Irish government itself… It is particularly valuable for explaining the path that Dublin took from impotent onlooker to key participant in the peace process, and for the clarity with which it explains the competing pressures shaping Dublin’s policies at key moments. It will be essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the full sweep of Northern Ireland’s troubled near-century of existence.’Professor Mark Doyle, Middle Tennessee State University, USA, Irish Studies Review, June 2019'Ó Beacháin has made good use of governmental papers and political party archives and he has conducted interviews with a wide range of Irish and British politicians. He has marshalled these sources into a text that is admirably clear and informative … Brexit has raised profound questions regarding the relationship between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as the relationship between Ireland and Britain. How the Irish government attempts to answer these questions will play a part in shaping the futures of both Ireland and the United Kingdom. Given the fine manner in which Ó Beacháin has explained the Northern Ireland policies of successive Irish governments, he would be ideally placed to write the next chapter of that history.'Small States and TerritoriesOne of the most striking features of Ó Beacháin’s timely overview is his assured tone on a particularly contentious topic. This reflects his experience in researching and writing on the complex, multi-faceted problem of the partition of Ireland that has afflicted the country, as well as its abettor, Britain, for 100 years. This is a work of mature assessment and often unexpected nuance. His preface and introduction contain very useful guidance on terminology, political parties and key themes for anyone reading themselves into the subject. Given the extraordinary breadth of the topic, it is to be expected that a volume of this nature would have something of the character of a synthesis. From Partition to Brexit does indeed comprise an amalgam of sources and its fresh take is rooted in the careful selection of items for the author’s skilful assessment.Studi irlandesi -- .Table of ContentsIntroduction: Parties and policy making in Ireland 1 The politics of partition, 1920–19322 De Valera’s Northern Ireland policy, 1932–19483 Failed campaigns, 1948–19694 War, 1969–1974 5 In fear of Armageddon, 1974–19796 Totality of relationships, 1980–1992 7 The age of consent, 1992–2018ConclusionAppendix 1: A century of government in Ireland, 1919–2018Appendix 2: Key personalities BibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisWinner of the 2013 Commonwealth Writer''s Prize for African literature. E.E. Sule''s debut novel, Sterile Sky, presents a community wrecked by religious conflict and a young boy hunting for a better future.On the day that Murtala comes of age, violent riots break out in his home city of Kano leading to unspeakable tragedy within his own family. While chaos threatens to erase everything he holds dear, Murtala is stalked by monsters both real and imagined. A gifted student, he grows desperate to escape from the web of poverty and religious extremism that surrounds him.An immensely poignant and powerful novel, Sterile Sky captures the religious conflicts of modern Nigeria and the enduring hope for peace.''An ambitious work that tells the definitive story of an important moment in Nigeria's sociopolitical history.'' Sanya OshaTrade ReviewAn ambitious work that tells the definitive story of an important moment in Nigeria’s sociopolitical history. -- Sanya Osha

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Book Synopsis‘[A] potent, brutal read... You won't be able to forget this story of a young boy robbed of his own childhood.’ Marie Claire, best YA 2019 I tell myself I’ve chosen to live, but the water knows the truth. Waves brush my arms, soft as shroud linen. The water knows I have to die. Three years after his older brother is recruited by the Somali militia group Al Shaabab, Abdi and his family are kidnapped by Americans. In exchange for their freedom, he reluctantly agrees to go undercover to rescue his brother and help foil deadly attacks. After months in their ranks, Abdi finally escapes. Haunted and alone on the streets of Kenya, he steals what he can to get by. But an arrest for petty theft sets in motion a chain of events that force him to confront the past he’s been so desperately trying to forget.Trade Review'Greed, guilt, and redemption are layered in a sober yet tender narrative showing the lengths one will go to for loved ones.' * Kirkus Reviews *'An intriguing examination of ways familial loyalty and guilt can lead anyone to make desperate choices. Anderson uses the exploration of manipulation and coercion to craft a thought-provoking narrative.' * School Library Journal *'Anderson...breathe[s] ferocious life into a story that needs to be told. This is one of those tough but invaluable books with the power to increase a reader's awareness of and empathy for teens who have lost the right to be young.' * Booklist, starred review *'[Anderson] makes it clear how difficult it is for even children to survive this faith-based and historically rooted conflict unscathed.' * Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books *'Narrator Kevin R. Free breathes dramatic urgency into Anderson's intense story…Listeners hear and feel Abdi's horror and numb, helpless despair at the atrocities he witnesses — and perpetrates — and we rejoice at his redemption.' * AudioFile, Earphones Award Winner *‘[A] potent, brutal read... You won't be able to forget this story of a young boy robbed of his own childhood.’ -- Marie Claire, best YA 2019‘Let’s Go Swimming on Doomsday is a gritty, challenging, but worthwhile read offering a message of redemption.’ -- Armadillo Magazine

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Book SynopsisUgur Ümit Üngör is Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and the NIOD Institute for War, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies, Holland. He has won several academic awards and held visiting positions in Dublin, Vancouver, Budapest, Toronto, and Los Angeles. His most recent publication is Paramilitarism: Mass Violence in the Shadow of the State (2020).Jaber Baker is a documentary filmmaker, novelist and human rights activist. Between 2002 and 2004 he was held in a military prison in Syria. He has 16 years' experience of research and specialises in the Syrian prison system.Trade ReviewIn Syrian Gulag, Jaber Baker and Ugur Ümit Üngör present the first detailed overview of the prison system. They have carried out more than 100 interviews with surviving detainees, as well as former prisoner workers and many other eyewitnesses. They have also drawn upon a huge amount of archival material. The results are profoundly shocking. In more than 30 years of book reviewing, this is the most horrifying volume I have read. -- Peter Carty * The Spectator *Syrian Gulag … is the most comprehensive and systematic single-volume book on Syria’s imprisonment system of terror. -- Usman Butt * The New Arab *This book is an extraordinary achievement. Drawing on extensive primary source material, Baker and Üngör reveal in an unprecedented level of detail the sheer magnitude of Syria’s massive internal security agencies, the bureaucratization of torture on an industrial scale, and the extent to which fear is a constant presence in the lives of ordinary Syrians. The book is unsparing in its accounts of survivors of torture and techniques of torture, and all the more powerful for including them. It makes an unimpeachable case for brutality and violence as defining attributes of the Assad regime. It is also a sobering rebuttal to those seeking the regime’s “normalization.” It should be required reading for all who have an interest in Syria, human rights, and states as perpetrators of mass violence. * Steven Heydemann, Professor, Smith College, USA *This study is the first in any language to begin to map the Syrian prison archipelago. It is an urgently necessary and timely insight into the workings of Syria's Assad regime. * Anne-Marie McManus, Principle Investigator at the ERC Project SYRASP, Germany *As some European states have started forcing refugees back to Syria, this book is a grim reminder that for its unfortunate citizens, the violence preceded the use of rockets and barrel bombs, and the threat to their life remains undiminished. What makes this book invaluable is its panoramic picture of Syria’s vast repressive apparatus that the uprising failed to dislodge. What makes this book frightening is that unlike Dante, who had to use his prodigious imagination to describe hell, the hell described herein comes from the direct experience of survivors who lived through its various circles of torment. In painstaking detail, Jaber Baker and Ugur Ümit Üngör have mapped the hellish institutions, sites, and methods through which the Syrian regime has preserved its rule by extinguishing hope and humanity. And through meticulous documentation they’ve also created an instrument through which the perpetrators may one day be held to account. * Dr. Muhammad Idrees Ahmad, Director of Journalism, University of Essex, UK *Syria's dungeons have long kept its secrets; places so foreboding and cruel that few dared mention what happens inside them. The war has changed that. Once taboo topics are now being discussed far from the broken country, where former prisoners now in exile are detailing a killing and torture machine that rivals the Khmer Rouge for the scale of its savagery. In Syrian Gulag, Üngör and Baker open the gates of one of modern history's most infamous prison systems and empower a brutalised people to tell their stories. * Martin Chulov, Middle East Correspondent, The Guardian *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Mezze: Political Elites and Incarceration 2. Intelligence Bureaus 3. Tadmur 4. The First Military Prison: Saydnaya 5. Civil Prisons for Justice and Reconciliation 6. Conclusion Appendix 1 Some Main characters Appendix 2 Tortures and their tools Appendix 3 Kitchen and Eating Utensils Appendix 4 Diseases Appendix 5 Medicines Appendix 6 Prison Jargon Bibliography Notes

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Book SynopsisThe Second Crusade (1145-1149) was an extraordinarily bold attempt to overcome unbelievers on no less than three fronts. Crusader armies set out to defeat Muslims in the Holy Land and in Iberia as well as pagans in northeastern Europe. This book provides an understanding of the Crusades and their importance in medieval European history.Trade Review“This is an excellent book, which takes full account of both primary sources and the many debates in the secondary literature. No other book offers a modern synthesis of the subject in the light of recent developments in crusading studies.”—Professor Malcolm Barber, University of Reading -- Malcolm Barber"This account . . . will be valued by specialists because of its scholarly approach and by undergraduates and general readers because it is written in a clear and accessible style. . . . [A] brilliant analysis of the European situation in 1145 . . . Excellent."—John France, The International History Review -- John France * The International History Review *"[The Second Crusade] constitutes an important achievement. It synthesizes a great deal of previous scholarship while bringing new sources and new interpretations to the discussion. It fills a large historiographical gap with erudite precision."—Thomas F. Madden, Speculum: A Journal of Medieval Studies -- Thomas F. Madden * Speculum: A Journal of Medieval Studies *

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Book SynopsisThis Element offers a theoretically informed examination of the manner in which religion, especially newer religious and spiritual movements, are managed by law and legal mechanisms in the authoritarian theocracy of Iran. It highlights how these phenomena have been affected by the intersection of law, politics, and Shi?i theology.

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Book SynopsisIn 2014, the island of Ahamb in Vanuatu became the scene of a startling Christian revival movement led by thirty children with spiritual vision'. However, it ended dramatically when two men believed to be sorcerers and responsible for much of the society's problems were hung by persons fearing for the island's future security. Based on twenty months of ethnographic fieldwork on Ahamb between 2010 and 2017, this book investigates how upheavals like the Ahamb revival can emerge to address and sometimes resolve social problems, but also carry risks of exacerbating the same problems they arise to address.

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Book SynopsisFirst translation into English of key chronicle for events of the Albigensian Crusade and the attack on heresy, including the siege of the Cathar stronghold, Montsegur.The Albigensian Crusade, which forms the main subject of William of Puylaurens' Chronicle, was a defining episode in the history of France. Launched in 1209 by Pope Innocent III, it was directed against the aristocracy of southern France (especially the Counts of Toulouse) who were accused of protecting heresy, and especially Catharism, a dualist heresy which represented a major threat to the Catholic Church. The Crusade ended in 1229 with the defeat of Count Raymond VII of Toulouse. It was followed in the 1230s by the establishment of the Papal Inquisition against heresy. The long-term outcome of the Crusade was the defeat of Catharism, and the establishment of French Royal power in the region. William of Puylaurens' Chronicle, here translated into English for the first time, is one of the main contemporary accounts of these events. It describes heresy in the south of France in the early 13th century; provides a narrative of the Crusade; and then outlines the growth of the Inquisition and the sustained attack on heresy which followed, including the siege of the Cathar fortress of Montségur in 1243-44. This translation is accompanied by an introduction, full notes, appendices, and a bibliography.

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Book SynopsisA clear-sighted exploration of how antisemitism has been politicised, and the damaging consequences of its redefinitionTrade Review'Nobody unpacks the confusions currently circulating around antisemitism, nor the complexities of Jewish identity, better than Antony Lerman. This elegantly written, erudite book is essential reading for all of us, whatever our identifications' -- Lynne Segal, author of 'Radical Happiness: Moments of Collective Joy''An urgently needed book. The contemporary debate about antisemitism is both incoherent and appalling. Faced with this hot mess, Antony Lerman offers a cool, well-reasoned, deeply learned and morally courageous meditation on what antisemitism is and isn't' -- Peter Beinart, editor-at-large at 'Jewish Currents''We desperately need this book [...] An essential tool to understand the weaponisation of antisemitism and its dangerous impact on free speech, Palestinian rights, and the very real threat of actual antisemitism' -- Rebecca Vilkomerson, former Executive Director of Jewish Voice for Peace'This important, essential book by a leading expert on antisemitism offers a nuanced history of the use and abuse of the fight against the world's oldest hatred. It powerfully unmasks the successful effort to twist the battle against antisemitism into a defense of the indefensible: Israel's subjugation of millions of people on the basis of their national and ethnic identity' -- Nathan Thrall, author of 'The Only Language They Understand''The best book I have read on why anti-Zionism has been equated with antisemitism and how the 'new antisemitism' has been mobilised for political gain' -- Neve Gordon, co-author of 'The Human Right to Dominate'Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Acronyms and abbreviations Introduction 1. Varieties of Confusion in Understandings of Antisemitism 2. The Use and Abuse of Antisemitic Stereotypes and Tropes 3. Motivated by Antisemitism? Challenges to Zionism 1975–1989 4. ‘New Antisemitism’: Competing Narratives and the Consequences of Politicisation 5. The Development of Institutions Combatting Antisemitism 1970s–2000 6. The Turning Point: ‘New Antisemitism’ and the New Millennium 7. The Codification of ‘New Antisemitism’: The EUMC ‘Working Definition’ 8. Responding to ‘New Antisemitism’: a Transnational Field of Racial Governance 9. The Redefinition Project and the Myth of the ‘Collective Jew’ Exposed 10. Human Rights: The ‘Mask Under Which the Teaching of Antisemitic Contempt for Israel is Carried Out’ 11. Geopolitics, Israel and the Authentication of ‘New Antisemitism’ 12. ‘War’ Discourse and its Limitations 13. ‘Jewish Power’, Medical Analogies and ‘Eradication’ Discourse 14. Apocalypticism: Defining the Discourse, Writing the Headlines and Generating Moral Panics 15. Against Typological Thinking: Summary and Conclusions Appendix: The IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism Notes Index

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Book SynopsisIn 1144, the mutilated body of William of Norwich, a young apprentice leatherworker, was found abandoned outside the city''s walls. The boy bore disturbing signs of torture, and a story spread that it was a ritual murder, performed by Jews in imitation of the Crucifixion as a mockery of Christianity. The outline of William''s tale eventually gained currency far beyond Norwich, and the idea that Jews engaged in ritual murder became firmly rooted in the European imagination.E.M. Rose''s engaging book delves into the story of William''s murder and the notorious trial that followed to uncover the origin of the ritual murder accusation - known as the blood libel - in western Europe in the Middle Ages. Focusing on the specific historical context - 12th-century ecclesiastical politics, the position of Jews in England, the Second Crusade, and the cult of saints - and suspensefully unraveling the facts of the case, Rose makes a powerful argument for why the Norwich Jews (and particularly one JeTrade ReviewA landmark of historical research into the grotesque 800-year history of blood-libel accusations. * Wall Street Journal *Lucid and exhaustively researched * The Times Literary Supplement *A tremendous book. This is forensic historical reasoning allied to hugely readable storytelling: part murder mystery, part masterly thesis exploring a deeply unpleasant and sinister aspect of medieval culture, which is still of immense significance today. The Murder of William of Norwich is one the most stimulating pieces of serious historical storytelling I have read all year. * The Sunday Times *Our explanation for Jewish creativity is that Jews have learned from experience that the entire world can believe something that is demonstrably false, such as the blood libel. This fine book takes us back in time to what may have been the first false accusation that a Jew (or 'the Jews') killed a Christian to obtain his blood for ritual purposes. It explains, without justifying, how so many could be so wrong for so long. * Alan Dershowitz, author of Abraham: The World's First (But Certainly Not Last) Jewish Lawyer *E.M. Rose's book on the murder of William of Norwich is a breathtaking work of revision that addresses one of the central questions in the history of Christian/Jewish relations in the Middle Ages, a topic of enormous relevance in the contemporary world and one around which there is considerable scholarly contestation. The book is a brilliant piece of historical investigation and a marvelous read as well. * Gabrielle Spiegel, Krieger-Eisenhower Professor of History, Johns Hopkins University *The storytelling by this first-time author is quite voluble, with the pen of a master narrator. The text is never boring, picking up new lines just when the old ones had run their course. A brilliant entry by this author, leaving us wanting a next book soon. * Huffington Post *The Murder of William of Norwich is a sweeping revision of an influential scholarly story. Anyone who works on twelfth-century England, Anglo-Jewish history, or medieval and later antisemitisms will have to contend with this book. It is a significant accomplishment. * Adrienne Williams Boyarin, American Historical Review *The book is lively, well-written, and consistently interesting.Table of ContentsPart 1: The Monk, the Knight, the Bishop and the Banker Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: The Discovery of a Dead Body Chapter 3: Background: Civil War and Crusade Chapter 4: The Trial Chapter 5: The Narrative Part 2: The Earl, the Count, the Abbot, and the King Introduction Chapter 6: Gloucester Chapter 7: Blois Chapter 8: Bury St. Edmunds Chapter 9: Paris Chapter 10: Conclusion

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Book SynopsisThe Thirty Years'' War (1618-48) was Europe''s most destructive conflict prior to the two world wars. Two of European history''s greatest generals faced each other at Lützen in November 1632, mid-way through this terrible war. Neither achieved his objective. Albrecht von Wallenstein withdrew his battered imperial army at nightfall, unaware that his opponent, King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, had died a few hours earlier. The indecisive military outcome found an immediate echo in image and print, and became the object of political and historical disputes. Swedish propaganda swiftly fostered the lasting image of the king''s sacrifice for the Protestant cause against the spectre of Catholic Habsburg ''universal monarchy''. The standard assumption that the king had ''met his death in the hour of victory'' became integral to how Gustavus Adolphus''s contribution to modern warfare has been remembered, even celebrated, while the study of Lützen''s wider legacy shows how such events are constantly rewritten as elements of propaganda, religious and national identity, and professional military culture. The battle''s religious and political associations also led to its adoption as a symbol by those advocating German unification under Prussian leadership. The battlefield remains a place of pilgrimage to this day and a site for the celebration of Protestant German and Nordic culture. This book is the first to combine analysis of the battle itself with an assessment of its cultural, political and military legacy, and the first to incorporate recent archaeological research within a reappraisal of the events and their significance. It challenges the accepted view that Lützen is a milestone in military development, arguing instead that its impact was more significant on the cultural and political level.Trade ReviewA very readable book. Highly recommended for anyone wishing to understand more about the Thirty Years' War. An excellent addition to OUP's Great Battles series. * Chris May, Battlefield *With this beautiful, well-illustrated book, Wilson has propelled Lutzen from moderate obscurity to its rightful place in history ... OUP have worked in great harmony with a renowned historian to produce a thought-provoking, highly readable piece of scholarship. * Patrick Mercer, Military History Monthly *Table of Contents1: Introduction 2: Context 3: Campaign 4: Battle 5: Military Legacy 6: Political and Cultural Legacy 7: Conclusion Appendix: Orders of battle Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe ‘War on Terror’ ushered in a new era of anti-Muslim bias and racism. Anti-Muslim racism, or Islamophobia, is influenced by local economies, power structures and histories. However, the War on Terror, a conflict undefined by time and place, with a homogenised Muslim ‘Other’ framed as a perpetual enemy, has contributed towards a global Islamophobic narrative. This edited international volume examines the connections between interpersonal and institutional anti-Muslim racism that have contributed to the growth and emboldening of nativist and populist protest movements globally. It maps out categories of Islamophobia, revealing how localised histories, conflicts and contemporary geopolitical realities have textured the ways that Islamophobia has manifested across the global North and South. At the same time, it seeks to highlight activism and resistance confronting Islamophobia.Trade Review'Bakali and Hafez’s edited volume illustrates the context-specific expressions of anti-Muslim racism as well as the symbiotic relationship between interpersonal and institutional racisms. Through this multi-scalar analysis, the edited volume does well to expand scholarship beyond critiques of Orientalism in Western societies by following the permutations of anti-Muslim racism and their articulation with preexisting racial formations in specific contexts.'Nicole Nguyen, The Middle East Journal'Naved Bakali and Farid Hafez’s edited volume The Rise of Global Islamophobia in the War on Terror: Coloniality, Race, and Islam seeks to illuminate the complicated historical roots of Islamophobia and its current iterations, both global and local; all of these topics are covered, at least in part, in this ambitious collection. Overall, it is a successful tour of the world’s anti-Muslim hostility.'Ilyse R. Morgenstein Fuerst, Reading Religion -- .Table of ContentsIntroduction: understanding Islamophobia across the global North and South in the context of the War on Terror - Naved Bakali and Farid HafezPart I: Islamophobia in settler societies1 The racialised logics of Islamophobia in Canada - Uzma Jamil2 Islamophobia in Australia: racialising the Muslim subject through War on Terror tropes in public, media and political discourse - Derya Iner and Peter McManus3 The mainstreaming of Islamophobia in US politics - Todd GreenPart II: Islamophobia in former imperial states4 Islamophobia in the Netherlands: constructing mythologies surrounding reverse colonisation and Islamisation through politics and protest movements - Leyla Yildirim5 Criminalising Muslim political agency from colonial times to today: the case of Austria - Farid Hafez6 Islamophobia in the UK: the vicious cycle of institutionalised racism and reinforcing the Muslim ‘other’ - Tahir Abbas7 ‘French-style’ Islamophobia: from historical roots to electioneering exploitation - Francois BurgatPart III: Islamophobia in formally colonised states from the Global South8 The framing of Muslims as threatening ‘others’ in the tri-border region of Brazil-Argentina-Paraguay - Silvia Montenegro9 Think-tanks and the news media’s contribution in the construction of Islamophobia in South Africa - Mohamed Natheem HendricksPart IV: Islamophobia at the ‘breaking point’10 India, Islamophobia, and the Hindutva playbook - Farhan Mujahid Chak11 Islamophobia and anti-Uyghur racism in China - Sean R. Roberts12 The Rohingya genocide through the prism of War on Terror logic - Naved BakaliIndex

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Book SynopsisThe staggering story of the most influential Chinese political dissident of the Mao era, a devout Christian who was imprisoned, tortured, and executed by the regimeBlood Letters tells the astonishing tale of Lin Zhao, a Chinese poet and journalist arrested by the regime in 1960 and executed eight years later, at the height of the Cultural Revolution. Alone among the victims of Mao's dictatorship, she maintained a stubborn and open opposition during the years she was imprisoned. She rooted her dissent in her Christian faith--and expressed it in long, prophetic writings done in her own blood, and at times on her clothes and on cloth torn from her bedsheets.Miraculously, Lin Zhao's prison writings survived, though they have only recently come to light. Drawing on these works and others from the years before her arrest, as well as interviews with friends, family, and classmates, Lian Xi paints an indelible portrait of courage and faith in the face of unrelenting evil.

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Book Synopsis‘His parting shot at opposing the storm of fanaticism breaking over our times’ Financial Times Dear Zealots is an essential collection of three essays written out of a sense of urgency, concern, and a belief that a better future is still possible. It touches on the universal nature of fanaticism and its possible cures; the Jewish roots of humanism and the need for a secular pride in Israel; and the geopolitical standing of Israel in the wider Middle East and internationally. Amos Oz boldly puts forward his case for a two-state solution in what he calls ‘a question of life and death for the State of Israel’. Wise, provocative, moving and inspiring, these essays illuminate the argument over Israeli, Jewish and human existence, shedding a clear and surprising light on vital political and historical issues, and daring to offer new ways out of a reality that appears to be closed down.'Concise, evocative... a brilliant book of thoughts and ideas' David GrossmanTrade ReviewA passionate polemic against dogmatism and defeatism... Oz refuses to give up on democracy, on Israel or on justice for Palestinians. -- Louise Adler * The Australian *

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Book SynopsisSelected as one of ‘Five books that help explain what is happening in Afghanistan’ (Financial Times) So-called Islamic State began to appear in what it calls Khorasan (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Central Asia, Iran and India) in 2014. Reports of its presence were at first dismissed as propaganda, but during 2015 it became clear that IS had a serious presence in Afghanistan and Pakistan at least. This book, by one of the leading experts on Islamist insurgency in the region, explores the nature of IS in Khorasan, its aim and strategies, and its evolution in an environment already populated by many jihadist organisations. Based on first-hand research and numerous interviews with members of IS in Khorasan, as well as with other participants and observers, the book addresses highly contentious issues such as funding, IS’s relationship with the region’s authorities, and its interactions with other insurgent groups. Giustozzi argues that the central leadership of IS invested significant financial resources in establishing its own branch in Khorasan, and as such it is more than a local movement which adopted the IS brand for its own aims. Though the central leadership has been struggling in implementing its project, it is now turning towards a more realistic approach. This is the first book on a new frontier in Islamic State’s international jihad. Trade Review‘An important and extensively detailed account.’Excellent . . . the book brings clarity to the subject of terrorism and its nature in Afghanistan and Khorasan. It is a brilliant mix of journalistic account and academic research.’‘The book has a number of vital implications for peace in the region … Giustozzi is an astute observer of the conflict in Afghanistan and its many participants.’ -- Texas National Security Review'Drawing on incredible field research, and full of unique insight, this book explains how the Islamic State unexpectedly took root in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It reveals in detail the complex and mostly troubled relations between IS-K and the Taliban in both countries. This is yet another "must-read" study by Giustozzi, the great chronicler of the ongoing Afghan conflict.' -- Theo Farrell, Executive Dean of Law, Humanities and the Arts at the University of Wollongong, Australia, author of 'Unwinnable: Britain’s War in Afghanistan, 2001-2014''This is the first book on the Islamic State’s Khorasan branch and will be a go-to-guide for many years to come. Giustozzi has pulled together primary sources, original materials and first hand journalistic accounts to describe the emergence, composition and structure of the Islamic State group in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. A highly important scholarly contribution, it is essential reading for all those who want to understand the complexities of violent extremism in South and Central Asia.' -- Dawood Azami, PhD, Multi-Media Editor, BBC World Service

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Book SynopsisFounded in the early twelfth century, allegedly to protect pilgrims to the Holy Land, the Knights Templar became famous for their pioneer banking system, crusading zeal, and strict vows of obedience, chastity and poverty. Having grown to some 15,000 men, they came to be perceived as a threat by Philip the Fair, who in 1307 disbanded the group and tortured their leaders for confessions. The French king accused the order of heresy, sodomy and blasphemy. Recent works of fiction and popular histories have created a resurgence of interest in the mysterious Knights Templar. Numerous contradictory and fantastic claims are made about them, adding to the enigma that already surrounds the warrior monks of France. In this unique collection of lecture material and writings from Rudolf Steiner, a new perspective emerges. Based on his spiritual perceptions, Steiner speaks of the Templars' connection to the esoteric tradition of St John, their relationship with the Holy Grail, and their spiritual dedication to Christ. He describes the secret order that existed within the Templars, and the strange rituals they performed. He also throws light on the Templars' attitude to the Roman Church, and the spiritual forces that inspired their torture and confessions.

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Book SynopsisIn Nazi-occupied Poland, Rosa Dunovich faces a terrifying reality: to save her daughter, she must send her into hiding. Her only hope of finding her again - if they survive - is her medallion. A tale of courage, sacrifice and survival, inspired by true events of Poland's darkest days and brightest heroes.

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Book Synopsis“With clarity and penetrating insight, Alex Ryvchin unravels the mystery of antisemitism… Mandatory reading for anyone concerned with the ethical fate of the human race.” ― Isaac Herzog, President of the State of IsraelThe 7 Deadly Myths traces antisemitism from its earliest origins to the present day and uncovers the dangerous conspiracy theories that have corrupted reasoning and led people and nations to diabolical acts. Exploring some of the most significant events in history and uncovering little-known villains, this book answers the questions of how antisemitism takes hold, how it is transmitted and how it inspires violence to the present day. Written in a clear and compelling style, this book is essential to understanding why this ancient hatred continues to plague society, inspiring pop stars, athletes and demagogues alike. It is a crucial resource for policy makers, students and the reading public seeking to understand racism and how it can be stopped.Trade Review“With clarity and penetrating insight, Alex Ryvchin unravels the mystery of antisemitism, distilling the roots of this most tenacious and pernicious conspiracy theory into seven fundamental myths. By shifting emphasis from the ‘why’ of this puzzling and dangerous phenomenon to the ‘how’ of the mechanics of its transmission, Ryvchin points to the possibility of actually confronting and diffusing it. This highly intelligent and well-written work should be on the mandatory reading list of anyone seeking to understand the age-old phenomenon of antisemitism, but moreso, of anyone concerned with the ethical fate of the human race.”— His Excellency Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel“[A] congenitally optimistic (or maybe just stubborn) Soviet-born Australian Jew has taken up the challenge of confronting this ever-present, baseless hatred. Endowed with both talent and passion, Alex Ryvchin… is well suited for the task. … With an easy, entertaining style devoid of ponderous didactics, his footnotes unintrusive, he fits a plethora of information into improbably few pages. Indeed, Ryvchin does a remarkable job of getting straight to the core, and he is truly masterful in unmasking the nonsensical prejudices without excessive rhetoric. … Intended as a resource for students, educators, and policymakers, this page-turner contains fascinating accounts of conspiracy theories, stunning in their absurdity. If calling the monstrous lies ‘myths’ seems overly generous, it does set the right tone for Ryvchin’s appeal to reason. … Only by exposing myths and lies is there any hope of healing, and the future of the Jewish people may become more tranquil. History has yet to prove whether this can occur, but miracles have been known to happen and may do so again.”— Juliana Geran Pilon, Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs“A smart, concise, and very up-to-date guide to the world’s oldest hatred.”— David Baddiel, author of Jews Don’t Count“Ryvchin is an invaluable resource in his knowledge of our challenges and what needs to be done to address them, as well as in his stalwart commitment to the future of Jewish community life. His book is clear, persuasive, and a pleasure to read. Ryvchin takes a complex and ancient hatred and shows us where it comes from, how it changes, and how it remains the same. Essential reading for educators, policy makers and anyone seeking to grapple with the dangerous rise in conspiracy theories and Jew hatred.”— Ronald S. Lauder, President, World Jewish Congress“Alex Ryvchin has made a significant contribution to the field of antisemitism studies. In a very readable narrative, he uses seven of the most powerful stereotypes about Jews to encompass the history of Jew hatred and in doing so lends perspective to what’s happening now. At this moment in history when antisemitism has found new life around the world, this is a timely and important work.”— Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director“Carefully researched and graphically expressed, Alex Ryvchin's The 7 Deadly Myths systematically demolishes those antisemitic tropes, deeply embedded in Western culture, that are once again surfacing with potentially deadly implications. A trenchant warning of the sort that was all too easily ignored in Germany in 1933.”— Victor Lieberman, Raoul Wallenberg Distinguished University Professor of History, University of Michigan“Hostility to Jews and Judaism dates back over centuries. In succinct, well-informed, and lucidly composed chapters, Alex Ryvchin focuses on seven of the most persistent and deadly myths that fuel such animosity. Readers interested in a brief but illuminating explanation of many of the causative factors behind antisemitism will benefit from Mr. Ryvchin’s vividly drawn presentation of age-old anti-Jewish stereotypes. For all of their irrationality, they hang on threateningly to this day.”— Alvin H. Rosenfeld, Professor of English and Jewish Studies and Irving M. Glazer Chair in Jewish Studies, Indiana University"Antisemitism is the oldest, longest, most enduring, toxic and lethal of hatreds. Alex Ryvchin wrote a timely and significant work which unmasks and exposes the deadly myths that have bred, nurtured and advanced with metastasizing hatred. An essential read for the understanding of traditional and contemporary antisemitism, and the moral imperative to combat it as a threat to our common humanity."— Irwin Cotler, Founder & International Chair, Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human RightsTable of ContentsAcknowledgementsIntroductionMyth 1—The Blood LibelMyth 2—Christ-KillersMyth 3—Global DominationMyth 4—ChosenMyth 5—MoneyMyth 6—Dual LoyaltiesMyth 7—Oppressed to OppressorsEpilogue

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Book SynopsisThis book discusses psychological aspects of dehumanization and of the human tendency to dominate, control and potentially murder those considered less than or “other” by the dominant group. It explores how increasingly severe dehumanization resulted in the genocide of six million Jews in the second World War. Psychological and behavioral strategies Nazi aggressors and ordinary citizens used to mislead themselves during this process are described. Understanding the sequence of events from dehumanization to murder has implications for the apparent tendency of human beings to harm and potentially kill those who appear “different”, or who are made into the “other”. Efforts to prevent genocide should actively challenge dehumanization of weaker populations whenever possible, even when dehumanization appears mild, “insignificant,” or “innocuous.”Trade Review“This informative and accessible contribution to the burgeoning literature on dehumanization is the first and only book in the English language focusing specifically on the dehumanization of Jews during the Nazi regime. Highly recommended! “— David Livingstone Smith, author of Making Monsters: Dehumanization and How to Resist It“This volume explores ways in which intolerance and enmity perniciously result in the dehumanization of individuals and groups, setting the stage for nothing less than the mass murder of entire groups and cultures. The author effectively shows ways in which othering and objectification wears away at any empathy and identification, an alienation that allows for nothing less than Genocide, a neologism invented only after the Shoah. The insidious nature of this turn is explored by the author using historical texts and individual stories. A compelling and necessary read for historians, mental health professionals, and students of history, sociology, psychohistory, and Jewish studies.”— Emily Kuriloff, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist, Psychoanalyst, and author of Contemporary Psychoanalysis and the Legacy of the Third Reich: History, Memory, Tradition. Routledge, 2014“Dr. Gabel, a child psychiatrist and historian, takes on the inexplicable. He probes what makes for and sustains history’s horrific genocides. ‘Behavior serves a purpose’ helps in understanding motivations, including murder. But Dr. Gabel goes further with his core insight: that ‘dehumanization’ opens intrinsic psychological doors to allow for the progression from violence to murder to genocide. This is a deeply considered and scholarly book about what we have not been able to face.”— Lloyd I. Sederer, MD, Adjunct Professor, Columbia School of Public HealthTable of ContentsIntroduction A Brief History of the Jews from Antiquity through the Middle Ages Antisemitism and Dehumanization of the Jews in the Modern Period. Enlightenment and Emancipation. Political Antisemitism Dehumanization. Research. Definitions. Examples in the Nazi Era The Human Propensity toward Violence, Destruction, and Murder. Prohibitions against Killing Other Humans. Examples of the Tendency toward Violence and Murder in the Nazi Era The Progression from Dehumanization to Murder and Genocide in the Nazi Era Dehumanization of School-Aged Children in Nazi Germany Medical Implementation of Aryan Ideology: Sterilization, Euthanasia, Experimentation Summary and Conclusions. Alternative Approaches. Addressing Dehumanization ReferencesIndex

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Book SynopsisNeeti Nair explores the trend toward legal protection for the religious “sentiments” of majorities in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Nair offers historical context for contemporary persecution and rising religious fundamentalism, and highlights how growing political solicitation of religious sentiments has fueled a secular resistance.Trade ReviewNeeti Nair’s seminal work is bookended by one of the most significant issues of our times: the contentious and divisive Citizenship Amendments Bill…Its vast sweep of history, dating back to pre-Independence, straddles the space that sits between erudition and expatiation as well as reflection and retelling without descending into pedagogy and pamphleteering. -- Radhika Ramaseshan * The Tribune *This is an important book for all looking at the past to seek answers to what is going on in South Asia at present. -- Paranjoy Guha Thakurta * The Telegraph *Explores how secularism impacted state ideology in the decades after Partition in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh…Brilliant. -- Mani Shankar Aiyar * Frontline *Probably the most important and notable book on South Asian constitutional and political history this year. -- Yasser Latif Hamdani * Friday Times *A timely reminder that ascendant expressions of intolerance in South Asia are not aberrations…By exploring the connected historical causes of its current embattled state in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, Hurt Sentiments stands out as an original work of research that has much to offer to scholars of South Asian history and politics. -- Shreya Das * South Asian Review *Represents a notable addition to the scholarly discourse on the evolving dimensions of secularism. This intellectual history work delves into the foundational and early years of the South Asian states, providing valuable insights into the complex interplay between secularism, identity and belonging. …This is an essential read. -- Ammad Ali * The News *[Nair is] able to simultaneously address those uninitiated in the politics of Hindu majoritarianism and minority communalism with a thought-through and riveting text, as well as provide food for contemplation for those who track the rise of divisive politics in India and its neighbours. -- Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay * Business Standard *A wide-ranging exploration of the many ways in which ‘hurt sentiments’ have been weaponised to disenfranchise and ghettoise religious minorities not just in India but across the subcontinent…Compelling. -- Paromita Chakrabarti * Indian Express *Richly layered and draw[s] upon a wealth of details…The real story—and this is indeed the novelty and strength of Nair’s book—is how Gandhi’s death, and Godse’s defence in court shaped post colonial secularism, and the way in which minority rights were framed. -- Manisha Sethi * Biblio *Provides helpful detail about parliamentary and constitutional debates in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan to show how majoritarian parties and interests mobilized and expanded the scope of ‘hurt sentiments’ to marginalize minorities…A valuable resource for students and scholars of South Asia. -- Humeira Iqtidar * Asian Affairs *An important contribution…Give[s] critical insights into the ideology and practices of South Asian secularists and their role in the weakening of secularism as a political force in the region. -- Sunny Kumar * Indian Economic and Social History Review *If defining concepts is an attempt to make our societies livable, it is a task worth to be taken. Nair does a remarkable job of showing how South Asian lawmakers navigated it. The book provides insights into what happened at the founding moments that influence the trajectory of the political life in the nation and its constituent elements, notably the marginalized. -- Iymon Majid * Doing Sociology *The strength of the book is its historical detail and its comparative work. Nair maps out in great detail how each of these three nations — India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, begin with secularism as an ideology of the state. -- Shefali Jha * Book Review *An engaging, insightful, and deeply researched account of the trajectory of secularism in South Asia. Nair brilliantly juxtaposes debates in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh to reveal how ‘hurt sentiments’ have imperiled secularism in different ways. Her focus on the late 1960s and 1970s as a pivotal moment in the transformation of secularism is entirely original, and powerfully illuminates its contemporary politics. -- Pratap Bhanu Mehta, author of The Burden of DemocracyBreaking important new ground, Nair tracks the convoluted history of secularist practices in the subcontinent, in contrast to the more conventional preoccupation with their conceptual content. In the process, she enriches and complicates theories of Indian secularism. Historians and political sociologists of South Asia, as well as political theorists in general, will find much to appreciate. A truly significant work. -- Tanika Sarkar, author of Hindu Nationalism in IndiaOpening with a brilliant chapter on the political aftermath of Gandhi’s assassination, Nair offers a new, compelling interpretation of the place of religion in the public life of postcolonial India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Hurt Sentiments deftly reconnects the history of ideas with the history of governmental practice. Making extensive and skillful use of constituent assembly and parliamentary debates, Nair provides a rare depth of historical understanding of censorship, civil liberties, blasphemy laws, and the fraught quest for secularism in the subcontinent. -- Sugata Bose, author of His Majesty’s Opponent: Subhas Chandra Bose and India’s Struggle against EmpireIn a wide-ranging intellectual history, Nair deftly explores the interrelated trajectories of freedom of expression to religion and public life in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Hurt Sentiments offers a thoughtful history that is urgently relevant to questions of the present day. -- Alyssa Ayres, author of Our Time Has Come: How India Is Making Its Place in the WorldThis timely book speaks to the embattled state of secularism and minorities in South Asia over the last few years, keeping in view the legacies of colonialism and partition. Crossing national boundaries, it offers an insightful history of how majoritarian politics has mobilized the idea of ‘hurt sentiments’ to marginalize minority communities and redefine state ideologies in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Nair makes clear that the fate of secularism is not about an abstract ideology but concerns the polities where minorities enjoy equality. -- Gyan Prakash, author of Emergency Chronicles: Indira Gandhi and Democracy’s Turning PointA sensitive, historically textured, and wide-ranging assessment of the way in which hate speech and the weaponizing of ‘hurt sentiments’ efface the political agency of religious minorities across India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Nair assesses key conjunctures in colonial and postcolonial South Asia that led to either creative debate about constitutional guarantees for minorities or violent populist sentiment winning the day. Essential reading for our troubled times. -- Radhika Singha, author of The Coolie's Great War: Indian Labour in a Global Conflict, 1914–1921

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Book SynopsisThe great scholar of Islam directly confronts the events of September 11th and the reasons behind Islamic terrorism in the modern world - a Sunday Times bestseller.

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Book SynopsisDenis Lacorne traces the emergence of the modern notion of religious tolerance in order to rethink how we should respond to its contemporary tensions. He defends the Enlightenment concept against recent attempts to circumscribe it, arguing that without it a pluralistic society cannot survive.Trade Review[Lacorne] gives no pat answers, but an implicit lesson runs throughout. Defending toleration is not like protecting a jewel. It takes fixity of aim but also a feel for the changing context, persistence with a task that never ends, and readiness to start again. Toleration does gradually spread. It can also suddenly vanish. * The Economist *I simply don’t know a book on toleration that compares to this one. Denis Lacorne has managed to weave together both an intellectual history of ideas about toleration and a wide-ranging international survey of policies related to it. Theory and practice come together in a very illuminating way and will expand the American reader’s horizon beyond our borders. -- Mark Lilla, author of The Once and Future Liberal: After Identity PoliticsLiving in a religiously tolerant society, Americans no longer understand what the challenge of achieving religious toleration originally meant: learning to coexist with beliefs and practices that one detested. Denis Lacorne begins this critical survey by recalling the great Enlightenment voices for toleration: Locke, Voltaire, and the American founders. But he then examines modern European and American disputes to demonstrate why the struggle for toleration and free exercise remains so problematic—a fight that never quite ends but that we grasp much better after reading Lacorne's crisp and incisive chapters. -- Jack N. Rakove, author of Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the Making of the ConstitutionA timely, erudite, and insightful book that sheds light on issues concerning whether and when contemporary democracies should restrict the practices and beliefs of nonmainstream religious and political groups. It is the best book written on this subject to date. -- Bruce Cain, author of Democracy More or Less: America’s Political Reform QuandaryThis insightful study will be useful to all who are interested in clarifying their own views of this critical subject. * Choice *Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsNew Introduction for the American Edition1. Tolerance According to John Locke2. Voltaire and Modern Tolerance3. Tolerance in America4. Tolerance in the Ottoman Empire5. Tolerance in Venice6. On Blasphemy7. Multicultural Tolerance8. Of Veils and Unveiling9. New Restrictions, New Forms of Tolerance10. Should We Tolerate the Enemies of Tolerance?Epilogue for the American Edition: Tolerance in the Age of TerrorismNotesIndex

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Book SynopsisExploring what it means to come of age in an era marked by increasing antisemitism, readers see through the eyes of Jewish Gen Zers how identities are shaped in response to and in defiance of antisemitism.Using personal experiences, qualitative research, and the historic moment in which Generation Z is coming of age, Jewish educator Samantha A. Vinokor-Meinrath uses antisemitism from both the political left and the right to explore identity development among Jewish Gen Zers. With insights from educators, students, activists, and more, she holds a lens up to current antisemitism and its impact on the choices and opinions of the next generation of Jewish leaders.Chapters cover Holocaust education for the final generation able to speak directly to Holocaust survivors and learn their stories firsthand; modern manifestations of antisemitism; and how the realities of 21st-century America have shaped the modern Jewish experience, ranging from the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh to how

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Book SynopsisIn this ground-breaking volume, the authors explore two sides of religion: the ways in which it contributes to violence against women and girls (VAWG) and the ways it counters it. Recognising the very real impact of religion on the lives of women and girls, it prioritises experiences and learnings from empirical research and of practitioners, and their activities at grassroots-level, to better understand the nature and root causes of VAWG. Drawing on research done in Christian and Muslim communities in various fragile settings with high religiosity, this book avoids simplistically assigning blame to any one religion, instead engaging with the commonalities of how religion and religious actors influence norms and behaviours that impact VAWG. If the sustainable development goal of ending all forms of VAWG is to be achieved, how should actors in the international development sector engage with religion and religious actors? This book unpacks the nature of religion and religious actors Trade Review"Innovative, evidence-based and thought-provoking. The authors analyse, critique and chart a way forward for both faith-inspired and secular actors working on some of the most pertinent issues of our times. This book is not only a must-read, but a roadmap for women’s dignity."Azza Karam, Secretary General, Religions for Peace"Through an analytical exploration based on stories of agency and wisdom of Christian and Muslim women and religious leaders, this authoritative and insightful book proposes an unmatched view of religion and the imperative to consider the positive role faith can play in ending VAWG."Angelica Pino, Grants Manager, SVRI"This is a nuanced and accessible analysis of the significance of religion in VAWG in two faith traditions, Christianity and Islam. Its focus on women’s religious experiences in the context of violence fills a gap in the literature available for academics, policymakers and practitioners." Brenda Bartelink, University of Groningen, The Netherlands"When working with gender equality in religious societies, I often felt overwhelmed and confused. Having read this book, I feel much better equipped to navigate the complexity. It is clear, pedagogical and full of real voices. I warmly recommend to all." Virginia Manzitti, Head of Sector, European Commission DEVCO/INTPA"A must-read for all practitioners, academics and policymakers committed to ending violence against women and girls. Without shying away from the complexity, le Roux and Pertek state the case and offer essential recommendations for secular and religious actors to more effectively collaborate to end violence."Andrea Kaufmann, World Vision International"This book is for those who want a more nuanced understanding of the ambiguous role of religion in VAWG, based on the authors' own research experience and the projects of various organizations. You will enjoy the differentiated approach based on sound, up-to-date research." Benjamin Kalkum, Development Worker for GIZ ZambiaTable of ContentsPart I: Introduction 1. Why religion matters in violence against women and girls: an introduction Part II: Religion contributing to violence against women and girls 2. Orientation: The role of religion in contributing to violence against women and girls and its consequences 3. A Christian perspective: religion contributing to violence against women and girls and its consequences 4. A Muslim perspective: religion as intersecting risk in violence against women and girls 5. Joint reflections on religion contributing to violence against women and girls Part III: Religion countering violence against women and girls 6. Orientation: The role of religion in countering violence against women and girls 7. A Christian perspective: drawing on religion to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls 8. A Muslim perspective: religion as protective resource in violence against women and girls 9. Joint reflections on religion countering violence against women and girls Part IV: Looking to the future 10. Now what? Implications for researchers, policy makers and practitioners. Index

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Book SynopsisPaul Salem is President of the Middle East Institute in Washington D.C, US. Prior to joining the MEI, he was the founding director of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut, Lebanon between 2006 and 2013. He has also been director of the Fares Foundation, US, and he founded and directed the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies, Lebanon.Ross Harrison is Senior Fellow and Director of Research at the Middle East Institute in Washington D.C, US. He is also a member of faculty at the Department of Political Science in the University of Pittsburgh, US. He was previously Professor in the Practice of International Affairs for the Master of Science in the Foreign Service Program at Georgetown University, US.Trade ReviewThis timely volume provides a sober, thoughtful framework for understanding the roots of civil war in the Middle East, as well as ways to mitigate the human tragedy and strategic folly which all too often result. -- William J. Burns, President of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Former Deputy Secretary of StateThis is a terrific volume on a desperately-needed topic. ... It furnishes a superb guide to the civil wars of the region, providing great wisdom and insight into their origins, dynamics, consequences, and possible solutions. ... If you really want to understand the conflicts of the Middle East, there is no better place to start than this slim, smart book -- Kenneth M. Pollack, Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, Former Director for Persian Gulf Affairs at the the National Security CouncilAn enormously important book that goes beyond the common Sunni/Shia or Islamist/secular analysis of civil wars in the Middle East to offer unexpected insights and solutions. The book was clearly written by experts who lived these conflicts day-to-day, understand why they took place, and know what it will take to end them. -- Anne W. Patterson, Former Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern AffairsThis volume provides incredibly useful reflections on conflicts in the Middle East. It helps us all better understand specific wars--tragic Syria, messy Iraq, militia-riddled Libya ... and regional strife in Yemen--as well as broader trendlines that peer into the future. -- Robin Wright, author of Rock the Casbah: Rage and Rebellion across the Islamic WorldTable of ContentsPreface to the Second Edition, Paul Salem, The Middle East Institute, USA and Ross Harrison, The Middle East Institute, USA 1. Middle East Civil Wars: Definitions, Drivers, and the Record of the Recent Past, Paul Salem, The Middle East Institute, USA 2. What We Know about Ending Civil Wars, Jessica Maves, Braithwaite, University of Arizona, USA 3. The Global and Regional Geopolitics of Civil War in the Middle East, Ross Harrison, The Middle East Institute, USA 4. Yemen: The 60-Year War, Gerald Feierstein, The Middle East Institute, USA previously of U.S. Foreign Service 5. The Syrian Civil War: Bringing the Conflict to a Close, Robert S. Ford, The Middle East Institute, USA; previously of U.S Foreign Service 6. Afghanistan's Unending Wars, Marvin G. Weinbaum, The Middle East Institute, USA; previously of U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research; and Ahmad Khalid Majidyar, previously of the State Department, and Congress 7. The Origins of the Libyan Conflict and Options for its Resolution, Jonathan M. Winer, The Middle East Institute, USA previously United States Special Envoy for Libya 8. Iraq: A Conflict over State Identity and Ownership, Randa Slim, The Middle East Institute, USA and Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced and International Studies, USA 9. The Diplomacy of Engagement: Ending Civil Wars in Transitional Middle Eastern States, Chester A. Crocker, Georgetown University, USA Concluding Thoughts and Policy Takeaways, Paul Salem, The Middle East Institute, USA and Ross Harrison, The Middle East Institute, USA

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Book SynopsisThe use and abuse of religious belief in the age-old history of conflict. Gods at War examines the role played by religions.

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Book SynopsisThe story of religion in America is one of unparalleled diversity and protection of the religious rights of individuals. But that story is a muddied one. This new and expanded edition of a classroom favorite tells a jolting of how American society has been and continues to be replete with religious intolerance.

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Book SynopsisIn 2002, armed Hindu mobs attacked Muslims in broad daylight in the west Indian state of Gujarat. The pogrom, which was widely seen over television, left more than one thousand dead. In Composing Violence Moyukh Chatterjee examines how highly visible political violence against minorities acts as a catalyst for radical changes in law, public culture, and power. He shows that, far from being quashed through its exposure by activists, media, and politicians, state-sanctioned anti-Muslim violence set the stage for transforming India into a Hindu supremacist state. The state''s and civil society’s responses to the violence, Chatterjee contends, reveal the constitutive features of modern democracy in which riots and pogroms are techniques to produce a form of society based on a killable minority and a triumphant majority. Focusing on courtroom procedures, police archives, legal activism, and mainstream media coverage, Chatterjee theorizes violence as a form of governance that crTrade Review"It is through scholarship of the kind offered by Composing Violence that we can grapple with questions of mass violence, impunity and justice after violence in South Asia, and beyond, in any meaningful way." -- Chulani Kodikara * Social and Legal Studies *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments ix Introduction. The Limits of Exposure 1 1. A Minor Reading 34 2. Composing the Archive 56 3. Against the Witness 76 4. Anti-Impunity Activism 93 5. Beyond the Unspeakable 107 Conclusion. Minor, Minorities, Minorization 127 Notes 139 Bibliography 151 Index 163

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Book SynopsisAfter Adolph Ochs purchased The New York Times in 1896, Zionism and the eventual reality of the State of Israel were framed within his guiding principle, embraced by his Sulzberger family successor, that Judaism is a religion and not a national identity. Apprehensive lest the loyalty of American Jews to the United States be undermined by the existence of a Jewish state, they embraced an anti-Zionist critique that remained embedded in its editorials, on the Opinion page and in its news coverage. Through the examination of evidence drawn from its own pages, this book analyzes how all the news “fit to print” became news that fit the Times’ discomfort with the idea, and since 1948 the reality, of a thriving democratic Jewish state in the historic homeland of the Jewish people.Trade Review“Auerbach subjects the New York Times to a meticulously researched analysis of its attitude over the years 1896 to 2016 towards Zionism and Israel. … Print to Fit leads the reader through Israel’s story along an unfamiliar route. The New York Times is one of the world’s leading newspapers. It is regarded as a ‘journal of record.’ For more than 120 years it has been shaping American opinion. Jerold S Auerbach argues convincingly that, as far as Zionism and Israel are concerned, the paper has consistently been far from objective in its editorial policy, has fallen short of its own high standards, and has consequently failed in its journalistic obligations to the public.” —Neville Teller, The Jerusalem Report -- Neville Teller * The Jerusalem Report *“Jerold Auerbach’s archly titled new study Print to Fit: The New York Times, Zionism and Israel, 1896–2016 is a well-researched and, for the most part, damning brief of the Times’s news coverage and editorial attitudes toward Zionism and Israel for over a century. … Print to Fit was written well before the Jew-dog cartoon scandal, but it does answer the question about it with which this review began: How could such an image make it to the pages of an edition of the New York Times?” —Deborah E. Lipstadt, the Jewish Review of Books * Jewish Review of Books *“There is no denying the basic truth of Jerold Auerbach’s book, which is that the Times has had a fundamental antagonism to Zionism and to Israel from its beginning until this day. His title says it all: instead of printing all the news that is fit to print—as it says so proudly on its front page every day—the Times has often printed the news that fits its ideology.” —Jack Reimer, The Jewish AdvocateTable of Contents Introduction Chapter 1: Patriotic Loyalty 1896-1927 Chapter 2: The Zionist Menace 1928-1939 Chapter 3: Denial and Discomfort 1933-1948 Chapter 4: Democratic Allies 1949-1957 Chapter 5: Conquest and Occupation 1960-1979 Chapter 6: Arabs and Jews 1979-1984 Chapter 7: Moral Equivalence 1984-1988 Chapter 8: Occupation Cruelty 1988-1989 Chapter 9: Illusions of Peace 1990-1996 Chapter 10: Realities of Conflict 1996-2001 Chapter 11: Blame Israel First 2002-2006 Chapter 12: Israeli Goliath 2006-2009 Chapter 13: Double Standards 2009-2014 Chapter 14: American Loyalty 2014-2015 Epilogue 2016 Afterword Acknowledgments Bibliography Notes Author’s Note

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Book SynopsisDo we really understand others and their beliefs? Martyn Percy believes that if we better understand the people in our churches, in our communities and in our societies, then we might cultivate more ease in the 21st century, not only in local and national politics but also in international politics. Others: A Very Short Book About Beliefs takes a curious, anti-prejudiced look at some weird and wacky beliefs. And although odd beliefs are wryly observed throughout, its subversive subtext aims to challenge people not to write off others’ beliefs as irrational, weird or daft but to invite the reader to reconsider others in the light of what we don't know.

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Book SynopsisThe eruption of the anti-Assad revolution in Syria has had many unintended consequences, among which is the opportunity it offered Sunni jihadists to establish a foothold in the heart of the Middle East. That Syria's ongoing civil war is so brutal and protracted has only compounded the situation, as have developments in Iraq and Lebanon. Ranging across the battlefields and international borders have been dozens of jihadi Islamist fighting groups, of which some coalesced into significant factions such as Jabhat al Nusra and the Islamic State. This book assesses and explains the emergence since 2011 of Sunni jihadist organisations in Syria's fledgling insurgency, charts their evolution and situates them within the global Islamist project. Unprecedented numbers of foreign fighters have joined such groups, who will almost certainly continue to host them. Thus, external factors in their emergence are scrutinised, including the strategic and tactical lessons learned from other jihadist conflict zones and the complex interplay between Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State and how it has influenced the jihadist sphere in Syria. Tensions between and conflict within such groups also feature in this indispensable volume.Trade Review'Lister's knowledge of the various groups is impressive... [The Syrian Jihad] is an indispensable guide to the different jihadi factions.' -New York Times; 'Lister has done yeoman's work in tracing how the peaceful uprising that began in 2011 was hijacked by an Islamist insurgency that now threatens global security. ... as [he] persuasively argues, ISIS is itself a product of Mr. Assad's evil regime.'-Wall Street Journal; 'Lister has produced a work that is required reading for both experts and the general reader alike.' -Prospect Magazine; 'Lister's book will certainly become a classic of the literature on the Syrian civil war. This richly-documented study actually consists of two intertwined histories, as the account of the Jihadi insurgency, a tour de force in its own right, is complemented with in-depth analysis of the broader military developments.' - Thomas Pierret, Lecturer in Contemporary Islam, University of Edinburgh and author of Religion and State in Syria: The Sunni Ulama from Coup to Revolution

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Book SynopsisIt seems that people often have trouble getting along together. Families argue, neighbors come to blows, countries lob weapons at each other. Is this the way it has to be? Anthropologists, sociologists, psychologists and others say it is. Having observed a long history of man's quarrelsome behavior, they claim that man has animal instincts, or that he is antisocial and violent by his very nature. In truth, man is rather peaceful. But he can be driven, individually and collectively, to hatred and violence. In researching the causes of violence, L. Ron Hubbard unearthed a fundamental and natural law of human relations which explains why conflicts between people are so often difficult to remedy. And he provided an immensely valuable tool that enables one to resolve any conflict, be it between neighbors, co-workers or even countries. In this chapter, you will discover how to help others resolve their differences and restore peaceable relations. Peace and harmony between men can be more than just a dream. Widespread application of this law will make it a reality.

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Book SynopsisIn twenty-first century America, antisemitism is on the rise, especially on the extreme left, the radical right, and within political Islamism. Expressions of this oldest hatred are also increasingly prevalent in popular culture, where they are spread by politicians, entertainers and celebrities, the media, social justice activists, and religious leaders, as well as in universities, in schools, on the streets, and even, in some instances, by Jews. Once, Jews regarded the United States as die Goldene Medina–the Golden Land–where they could escape persecution and finally be free. However, this dream has not been realized and major trends are moving in the opposite direction. In Poisoning the Wells, leading scholars analyze contemporary antisemitism in the United States.Trade Review“Erudite and insightful, this timely anthology explores the age-old prejudice in its traditional guise and the modern cloak of anti-Zionism. In Poisoning the Wells, scholars from diverse backgrounds and disciplines shed light on the reemergence and strengthening of antisemitism in modern culture and society. A must read.”— Doron Ben-Atar, Professor of History, Fordham University"In the now large scholarship on contemporary antisemitism, Corinne E. Blackmer and Andrew Pessin's Poisoning the Wells stands out for its focus on the way in which hatred of Jews, and of Israel, has achieved a certain academic respectability in the United States. Originally published in 2021, this updated version offers essays by sixteen different contributors and co-authors on the range of topics that have been at the center of controversy, including: intersectionality, anti-racism, and antisemitsm; black antisemitism; antisemitism among hate groups of the far right; Holocaust denial; antisemitic arguments that support boycotts against Israel; ‘pinkwashing,’ and queer theory; myths of a benign history of African-Americans under slavery as well as of Jews as dhimmis in the lands of Islam; shortcomings in social science research; and essays that offer episodes of antisemitism both at small liberal arts colleges, and at large research universities, and of university administrative responses to these developments. The essays combine theory and empirical findings. It is a needed, and understandably sobering volume for fellow scholars, students, policy makers, and a general audience."— Jeffrey Herf, Professor of History, University of MarylandTable of ContentsForewordCharles Asher Small, Founder and Executive Director of ISGAPIntroduction: The End of Jewish Innocence: Antisemitism in Contemporary AmericaCorinne E. Blackmer and Andrew Pessin1. Antisemitism in Jewish American AcademiaEdward Alexander2. Pinkwashing Antisemitism: The Origins of Queer Anti-Israel DiscourseR. Amy Elman3. Left Antisemitism: The Rhetoric and Activism of Jewish Voice for PeaceMiriam F. Elman4. Holocaust Denial on the Web: Confronting the Future of AntisemitismJoel Finkelstein, Corinne E. Blackmer, and Charles Rubin5. Intersectionality and the Jews: Theory and PraxisElliot Kaufman6. The Rise of Black Antisemitism: An All Too Familiar Tension ReturnsJames Kirchick7. Why So Many Social Scientists Misunderstand Contemporary AntisemitismNeil J. Kressel8. “Falling Down a Rabbit Hole:” Antisemitism Becomes the New Normal at Oberlin CollegeMelissa Landa9. Micro-Boycotts: Anti-Zionism and Antisemitism in the Personal Boycott MovementCary Nelson10. “Happy Dhimmis, Happy Darkeys”: Myths Past and PresentEunice G. Pollack and Steven H. Norwood11. Crusaders for Armageddon: Christian Zionism and Antisemitism in the United StatesMolly Benjamin Patterson12. Epistemic Antisemitism, or “Good People Gone Wild:” How Decent People Can Be Antisemites and Not Even Know ItAndrew Pessin13. The Perpetual Scapegoat: Antisemitism in the Ideology and Activities of Hate Groups in the United States before and after Trump’s Election Ashley V. Reichelmann, Stanislav Vysotsky, and Jack Levin 14. Antisemitism, Soft Jihad, and Extremism in US and Canadian Universities: The Contextualization of National Students for Justice in Palestine (NSJP)Charles Asher Small and David Patterson15. Israel as the Repugnant Other: Anti-Zionism in Liberal Protestant DenominationsDexter Van Zile16. The University of California Principles against Intolerance: Efforts to Integrate Them into Campus Policy and PracticeKenneth WaltzerContributorsIndex

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Book SynopsisIn Shoah Through Muslim Eyes, the author discusses her journey with Judaism as a Muslim. Her book is based on the struggle with antisemitism within Muslim communities and her interviews with Shoah survivors. Rejecting polemical myths about the Holocaust and Jews, Afridi offers a new way of creating understanding between the two communities through the acceptance the enormity of the Shoah. Her journey is both personal and academic: the reader can find nuances of her belief in Islam, principles of justice, and the loneliness of such a journey. The chapters discuss the Holocaust and how it was in truth unprecedented, interviews with survivors, antisemitism and Islamophobia, camps in Arab lands, and Islam and memory. Afridi includes newly-uncovered Muslim-Arab narratives that enhance our understanding of the reach of the Holocaust into Muslim lands under the Vichy and Nazi governments.Trade Review"I just finished reading one of the most profound and important books that I have read in recent years[...] as inspirational as it is informative." - Ron Cornish, Huffington Post blogTable of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction Chapter One: Why the Shoah? Chapter Two: My Journey through Academia, Jerusalem, and Dachau Chapter Three: Why is the Shoah Unprecedented? Chapter Four: The Document Chapter Five: Is Islam Antisemitic? No. Chapter Six: Muslims and the Memory of a Colonial Holocaust Conclusion Afterword Bibliography Index

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