“[A] superb account of the Arabs over three millennia.”

“Commanding erudition and a swashbuckling style define this history of the Arabs.”

“[An] extraordinary new survey.”

“There can hardly be a better guide than Mackintosh-Smith, who has near-mythical status among western observers of the Middle East.”

“Although Mackintosh-Smith’s book is perfectly scholarly, it is not a dutiful plod through a succession of slaughtered sultans and viziers…On the contrary, Arabs keeps throwing out brilliant insights, like sparks from a Catherine wheel.”

“This brilliant and fascinating history book will change the way we analyze the happenings in the Arab world.”

“A marvelous journey brimming with adventure and poetry and narrated by a keen, compassionate observer.”

“Strips away centuries of erroneous myth-making…Anyone hoping to understand, let alone write about the Middle East, will need to read and inhale this profound, witty, and scholarly achievement.”

“Quite brilliant…I am full of admiration for this inspiring book, with its quite original and timely view of Arab historical identity.”

“Superb. What really distinguishes this book from others is the sheer number of its insights into Arab history, all of which are tantalizing.”

“Arabs is a refined and pleasing tour through the history of a remarkable people, civilization, and language.”