Morocco since 1830: A History

The first general history in English of Morocco in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Morocco since 1830: A History explores the profound changes that have affected social relations in Morocco over the last 150 years, especially those between the sexes, and between linguistic identities and cultures. Although the country has returned to roughly its pre-colonial boundaries, Morocco still suffers from the effects of colonization by France and Spain. Its current king, like the sultans of the nineteenth century, claims legitimacy through his leadership of the Islamic community, but there is a long tradition of dissent based on Islamic ideals. Morocco's history is also marked by the enduring presence of a large Jewish community. This comprehensive portrait examines the tactics used by Moroccan rulers to cope with European penetration in the nineteenth century and colonialism in the twentieth, and, since the 1950s, to retain control of the independent state. As Pennell points out, however, the ruling dynasty is not sufficiently representative of modern Morocco, nor are political events the only influence on change. Most Moroccans are still poor, and their lives are shaped by their economic circumstances. The influence of harvests, access to land and water, and external trade have always determined the fate of the majority.

About the Author :
C. R. Pennell is al-Tajir Lecturer in Middle East History and Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne and author of Morocco since 1830, also available from NYU Press.

Review :
"A groundbreaking study. . . . This is the best, most thorough account we have of Malcolm X as a religious leader." -"Publishers Weekly", "Effectively conveys Malcolm's evolving spirituality and why it was arguably as central to his life as his far better known activist concerns."-" Historical Review", "The first significant account of Malcolm X's religious life. This readable book . . . should appeal to those who enjoyed Malcolm's autobiography. Highly recommended."-"Choice", "The only book exclusively devoted to Malcolm's religious life. . . . DeCaro's discussion of Malcolm's activities as a Black Muslim is interesting and thorough. . . . Adds important chapters on Malcolm as religious apologist, as Black Muslim apostate, as convert to orthodox Islam, and as religious revolutionist."-"Journal of American History", "Will surely find its way onto every short list of indispensable sources for understanding the life and work of Malcolm X. . . . It will deepen both the popular and scholarly understanding of Malcolm X and his contribution to the unfinished work of human liberation." -"Booklist",