Books published by Saqi Books

A compelling human story, regarded as one of the great achievements of modern Arabic literature. Shortlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, 2010 and published for the first time into English.

Hassan Massoudy's elegant calligraphy depicts the four seasons of the garden. From the icy palettes of winter and the fading hues of autumn to delicate spring growth and the dazzling sunshine and blooms of summer, he captures in calligraphy what countless poets have wrought with words.

The first study to analyse the leadership of the hajj in the formative period between the 7th and 10th centuries, assessing the pilgrimage from a political perspective. Shedding new light on the understanding of dynastic politics; the succession process and the definition of the poiltical entity that was the early caliphate.

An invaluable investigation into contemporary Lebanese culture and society by the foremost scholar on Lebanese politics and society.

As al-Qa'ida enters its third decade, journalist Abdel Bari Atwan investigates how it has survived all attempts to destroy it; evolving, instead, into a global actor with a rapidly expanding portfolio of franchises and a variety of, sometimes unexpected, alliances.

The sharp increase in oil revenues since 2002 has left the Arab Gulf States with billions of petro-dollars. But how will these countries fare in the post-oil era? The rulers of these states are taking serious measures to ensure the survival of their economies, and indeed their regimes, in a world with scarce mineral resources.

This collection of columns written for openDemocracy between 2004 and 2009 is proof of a subtle worldview that continues to generate questions: what is the relation between religion, nationalism and progress? Is a new international order possible? When is intervention a force for progress?

Interwoven with the poetry of love, loss and longing, The Cloud Messenger is a study of the search for a home in the world and of the redeeming power of memory and unconditional love.

The Iranian artist Parastou Forouhar expresses her reaction to the perplexing situations in her homeland through a wide variety of techniques, from photography to digital drawings and multi-media installations.

When Michel takes possession of a package smuggled out of the Occupied Territories he finds his life spinning out of control and is forced to go on the run. What is in the package that is so valuable to both the PLO and Mossad, and how will its contents determine Michel's future and unravel his past?

In-depth study of diverse Shi'a groups, from Iraq to Aghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon and Senegal, and their relations with Iran. Contributors include Olivier Roy, Alessandro Monsutti, Joseph Alagha, Kinda Chaib, Thierry Zarcone, Mara A. Leichtman, Pierre-Jean Luizard, Peter Harling and Mariam Abou Zahab.

Examines the dynamics of Arab foreign-policy-making in the twenty-first century. This book includes four case studies, the Middle East Peace process, the Water crisis, the Food crisis, and Saudi Arabia's foreign policy, that enable a wide-ranging analysis for understanding contemporary Arab politics and its role in world affairs.

Rebecca has a most unusual problem: no matter how hard she tries, she can't stop broadcasting her feelings to people around her. Luckily, she's discovered how to trap and store her feelings in personal objects - but just how much emotional baggage can Unit 207, E Z Self Storage hold?

Offers an account of a cross-cultural marriage.

Nowhere in the world is university education expanding as rapidly as in the six-member state of the Gulf Cooperation Council. This study, with contributions by key decision makers, charts this dramatic development, exploring the challenges faced and placing the accomplishments within the social, economic and political context of the region.