This work is a study of the nature and origin of nationality and modern social ideals in the Middle East, particularly Egypt, in the late nineteenth to mid-twentieth centuries. Bringing together writings on political and social reform with literary works, Noorani challenges dominant assumptions about the emergence of modernity. It shows that while nationalist, liberal, and democratic ideals emerged in the Middle East under European influence, these ideals were nevertheless created out of existing cultural values by reformers and intellectuals. The central element of this process, the book...

This book challenges a common historical narrative, which portrays medieval Jews as moneylenders who filled an essential economic role in Europe. This book also documents why it is a myth for medieval Europe, and illuminates how changes in Jewish history change our understanding of European history.