The British Empire at its height governed more than half the world’s Muslims. It was a political imperative for the Empire to present itself to Muslims as a friend and protector; to take seriously what one scholar called its role as “the greatest Mohamedan power in the world.†Few tasks were more important than engagement with the pilgrimage to Mecca.Every year; tens of thousands of Muslims set out for Mecca from imperial territories throughout Africa; the Middle East; and Asia; from the Atlantic Ocean to the South China Sea. Men and women representing all economic classes and scores of ethnic and linguistic groups made extraordinary journeys across waterways; deserts; and savannahs; creating huge challenges for officials charged with the administration of these pilgrims. They had to balance the religious obligation to travel against the desire to control the pilgrims’ movements; and they became responsible for the care of those who ran out of money. John Slight traces the Empire’s complex interactions with the Hajj from the 1860s; when an outbreak of cholera led Britain to engage reluctantly in medical regulation of pilgrims; to the Suez Crisis of 1956. The story draws on a varied cast of characters―Richard Burton; Thomas Cook; the Begums of Bhopal; Lawrence of Arabia; and frontline imperial officials; many of them Muslim―and gives voice throughout to the pilgrims themselves.The British Empire and the Hajj is a crucial resource for understanding how this episode in imperial history was experienced by rulers and ruled alike.
#192158 in Books David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies 2005-12-30 2006-01-29Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .94 x 5.52l; 1.37 #File Name: 067401930X330 pages
Review
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful. Meticulously researched AND well-writtenBy MatthewSchlesinger and Kinzer did indeed write a classic. The book is well-written and very readable. While it is certainly an academic work and may be considered a textbook; it is not as dry as such the connotation suggests. On the contrary; the story at times feels like a best-selling espionage novel or a Hollywood conspiracy-theory movie; but much better in my opinion.More importantly; Bitter Fruit is supported by excellent sources - many Freedom of Information Act documents and also many memoirs and interviews of people involved in the events. This is comforting and assures that while the book is almost written in the style of a fictional thriller; the authors did not take any liberties of rewriting or embellishing history to make the book more fun to read.Schlesinger and Kinzer also do an excellent job of providing the background of the parties involved and the historical context in which the revolution and coup took place. They also wrap up the book well in their 'Aftermath' final chapter and provide much needed closure to the story; in which they discuss the fates of the major players since the coup.Highest recommendations.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Bitter Fruit a RevelationBy John RI first heard of the book; Bitter Fruit; when I was traveling in Guatemala. Our half Mayan guide told some stories of his country's recent history; of massacres and bombings; and of the severe hardships his family endured while he was growing up. Although he mentioned that those horrors were executed by those who were financed; trained; and directed by the USA; I had no knowledge of the history of that part of the world or of my country's intervention. When I returned home; I ordered the book on for about half the price it sold for in Guatemala.I had thought it would be hard reading as an academic production. I was wrong. This carefully documented book gives in great detail the recent history of Guatemala; and America's role in that history. For me; it was extremely interesting. It read like a John Grisham novel; I couldn't put it down; I wanted to know what happened next. Tragically; it is a true horror story; with terrible consequences for Guatemala and thus for all of us. An estimated 200;000 Guatemalans died in a civil war begun by the clearly illegal and immoral actions of the USA CIA and army; with the knowledge and approval of US Presidents starting with President Eisenhower. As a result; progress in such matters as land reform and justice for all in Guatemala has been compromised to this day.I hope that all Americans read and take to heart this very powerful book.38 of 39 people found the following review helpful. Do yourself a favor . . . read this book!By DanWhether you're a connoiseur with a PhD in international relations; a high-school dropout looking to enhance their missing education; or someone who just wants to read an engrossing book with a little intellectual flare to it; one can be both entertained and appalled by the story contained in "Bitter Fruit".Kinzer and Schlesinger's writing is impeccable; and somehow manages to stay apolitical. The authors do an excellent job of not flaunting the miscues of the American overthrow of Guatemala's democratically elected government; but merely let the facts from all angles tell their own story. In addition; the writing is quite fast-paced in style but pays attentive detail to fact and exhautively denotes the sources behind the writing. I purchased this for reading as part of a class assignment - and then cited it in two places in my senior essay!So instead of buying a FICTIONAL thriller or adventure or spy novel for your downtime reading; why not pick up a book where the plot . . . actually happened?! In addition; despite being originally published a quarter century ago; the book is amazingly relevant to issues in today's foreign policy (*cough* Iraq *cough*). Also; I HIGHLY recommend for history buffs like myself - but this book can be enjoyed by anyone. Well; "enjoyed" isn't really the word - after reading this book; I felt a sense of anger towards our government for their selfish actions 50 years ago; and a sense of pity toward the people of Guatemala; who had no idea what hit them. But the feelings weren't on the level as to wish that I had never read the book - on the contrary; it made me feel more enlightened both about the Cold War era as well as today's international climate.
