Iraq: An Illustrated History - Softcover

Munier, Gilles

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1566565138 ISBN 13: 9781566565134

Publisher: Interlink Books, 2004

Synopsis

Iraq's contemporary image provides few clues to the magnificence and power of her past. Known as Mesopotamia ("land between the two rivers"), Iraq, which lies between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, was probably the earliest center of human civilization. Here emerged the earliest scripts, the earliest architecture, and the earliest sciences. But Mesopotamia has always been in upheaval, down to the present day. The past hundred years have progressively closed to western access the land of ancient Mesopotamia. Yet Gilles Munier has been able to travel extensively in this war-torn country, and he brings a refreshingly compassionate vision of the land that was once the cradle of humanity. A sumptuously illustrated and impeccably documented history of the country whose borders include the ruins of ancient Nineveh, Chaldea (Abraham's birthplace), Babylon, and Samara. Embark upon a voyage of discovery to the place where writing was first invented, to the city that was the center of the Arab Golden Age.

About this title

About the Author:

Gilles Munier is vice president of the Franco-Iraqi Institute for Economic Cooperation and he regularly organizes cultural tours to Baghdad.

From Booklist:

Iraq? Visit there? Well, if you so desire, if you want to gird your loins and take a trip to a place quite obviously in turmoil--be aware that it is an absolutely fascinating destination that has long been outside the bounds of U.S. tourists, and you need to read this guide cover to cover before you go. It was originally published in France, just before the 2003 allied invasion of Iraq, and it clearly fulfills the publisher's stated desire to produce a superior guide that would give "readers a clear insight into Iraq's rich history" and "contribute to a better understanding of the Iraqi people and their culture." The editorial staff felt it was important "at this point in time to bring out a book whose entire raison d'etre is to assume that Iraq is a country anyone might want to visit." What one finds inside its covers is a visually striking, information-filled, absolutely riveting excursion through all regions of this ancient land, with historical and cultural threads woven into a narrative from which the reader--and potential traveler--comes away both enlightened and awestruck. In addition, library patrons simply wanting good, basic background on this highly topical place will find their needs met here. Brad Hooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About this edition

• Publisher: Interlink Books
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1566565138
• ISBN 13: 9781566565134
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240
• Illustrator: Munier Gilles