John Bagot Glubb (1897–1986)

An interesting thesis that could be applied to a number of nations in today's world.

Other than the author neither listing nor, apparently, being aware of his own biases, and the parts that today would be considered non-PC, the biggest omission is that of any suggestion of how to break or extend the 250-year life-cycle of "Empires" (or super-states) that he identifies.

The author's bias (as a military man) truly shows when he suggests that: "Perhaps some means could be devised to prevent the activist Age of Conquests and Commerce deteriorating into the Age of Intellect, producing endless talking but no action."

So, obviously, I don't agree much with the personal opinions he lets slip, but the ideas and the framework he uses are certainly worth pondering.… (mehr)

John Glubb was a military man, and his multi-volume treatment of Medieval Islamic history emphasises the mental framework he brings to the task. However, if one realises that the only other practitioner in this area at the time was Philip K. Hitti, one should be charitable to the works of both men. This is Glubb's treatment of the high days of the Caliphate, in the 700's and early 800's and if you are looking for a written in English basic book, with a heavy military bent, and lots of maps it is what you have. the prose is clear and direct. Further depth into this period was provided by his more extensive biography of Haroun al-Rashid.… (mehr)