Lords of the Lebanese Marches: Violence and Narrative in an Arab Society

by Michael Gilsenan

Overview

This book is a study of how feudalism works in a contemporary Arab society, examining the operations of the hierarchy of Lebanese warlords. The book shows how the warlords have adapted to changing economic conditions in Lebanon. Whereas power was formerly based on landed estates, it now lies in services and capital. The book examines the nature of the competition between these men, how elections are influenced by patronage and violence.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781850430995
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	12/31/1995
Series:	Society and Culture in the Modern Middle East
Pages:	388
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Michael Gilsenan is Professor of Anthropology and Near Eastern Languages and Literatures at New York University and is Emeritus Fellow at Magdalen College, Oxford.

Editorial Reviews

""This is a monumental book, which tells a subtle and many layered story...it becomes apparent that the story is highly pertinent to the whole region, its societies and cultures...""--Times Literary Supplement

""For too long Islamic studies have existed in an academic ghetto...A more fruitful approach is taken by Michael Gilsenan in...this beautifully written book...""--London Review of Books

.".".an exceptionally lively account...""--The Middle East

From the Publisher

Although concentrating on female identity in Tibetan Buddhism, this cross-cultural study takes a holistic stance, accounting for the historical context of archaic female imagery, in particular that of the dakini, the key female figure embodying the religion's practices. Thus, the volume can serve as both an introduction to the practices of Tibetan Buddhism, and a psychoanalytic tracing of the sexual practices of Tibetan Tantra and the issues of power and authority as they relate to women today. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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