Books by John A. Shoup

This encyclopedia is an essential guide to the different ethno-linguistic groups in Africa and today's complicated Middle East region. Ethnic Groups of Africa and the Middle East contains encyclopedic entries arranged alphabetically within ethno-linguistic classifications.

After a solid overview of the land, people, and history in Chapter 1, Chapter 2 covers religion. Highlighted in the Social Customs chapter are the topics of honor, shame, and respect, social clubs, and more on women's roles in the middle class.

Syria is a country in turmoil, making headlines almost daily with news about its violent civil war and refugee crisis.This one-volume addition to the Greenwood Histories of the Modern Nations series focuses on the events in the history of Syria from ancient times to the present, allowing readers to place current events within the context of the country's history.Following the series format, the book opens with a timeline of key events in Syria's history. An introductory chapter provides a broad overview of life in Syria today. Chronologically arranged chapters follow, beginning with Prehistory to the Byzantine Period. The latter half of the volume focuses on the modern historic events that have occurred since World War II. A glossary of terms, an appendix of notable people, and an annotated bibliography round out the work, making it an ideal resource for high school students, undergraduates, and other general readers who are looking for an introductory text on Syrian history.

This book provides an avenue for students to explore the Nile-the world's longest river-and better understand its larger role in society in the past, present, and future.The Nile River has been the most important natural resource for Egyptians and other Africans who live along its shores for thousands of years, bringing life to an otherwise arid and bleak desert region. Without the Nile, civilizations in Egypt could not have achieved such success. The physical, cultural, religious, and political impacts of this mighty riverway are enormous. This one-volume encyclopedia explores a breadth of topics related to the Nile River, from ancient irrigation techniques to 19th-century exploration and from current environmental controversies to concerns regarding man-made Lake Nasser. Readers will be able to explore beyond the physical aspects of the world's longest river to achieve an understanding of the Nile River's larger role in society.After a preface and introduction that provides general background information on the source, tributaries, and mouth of the Nile, the encyclopedia presents thematic essays that cover topics such as the Nile's physical geography; history; environmental issues and controversies; culture, religion, and legend; and politics. More than 100 entries cover key individuals, specific locations, geology and structure, significant expeditions, gods and deities, and folklore related to the Nile. In addition, the work provides an appendix of primary document excerpts from explorers' journals and more recent legislation on damming as well as an appendix of place names, interesting sidebars, and a helpful chronology of key events.

Syria has served as a major crossroads in the Middle East since prehistoric times, leaving it open to change and passing customs from other societies. Syria's melting pot of cultures has led it to become an ethnically diverse country, sometimes leading to turbulence among other countries as well as within its own borders.