'... masterful - comprehensive, deeply researched, and balanced. If there is an overall theme that is woven through this well-written book, it is that the state has never been all-powerful ... and Algerian society has never been as fragmented or feeble as many observers have claimed.' William B. Quandt, Professor Emeritus, University of Virginia, and author of Revolution and Political Leadership: Algeria, 1954-1968
'... the best single-volume study of the country in English ... an elegant, detailed, and lucid guide to the rich and fascinating story of the Algerian people.' Susan Slyomovics, Distinguished Professor, University of California, Los Angeles
'A majestic historical portrait of a deeply complex country ... the pre-eminent scholarly account in any language that all future students of the subject will have to consult.' John Entelis, Fordham University, New York
'... stunning ... Unlike the majority of studies that take Algeria as merely a template for French colonialism, or as a model of Third World revolution, McDougall's work seeks to both interpret and understand the lived social realities of its people and their past.' Julia Clancy-Smith, The University of Arizona
'This awesome and superlative piece of historical writing tells a tremendous tale ... Elegant prose and an anthropological eye for the people who have been the actors of this history only make the narrative more compelling.' Francis Ghiles, Barcelona Centre for International Affairs
'Africa's largest state by size, Algeria is an energy producer whose political and religious future is of critical importance to the Mediterranean, north Africa and the wider Islamic world. Oxford historian McDougall paints a compelling portrait of a country whose history is too often seen through the narrow lens of French colonialism and the 1954-62 war of independence.' 'Summer Books 2017 History list', Financial Times
'The work is based on an extensive source knowledge and also incorporates eyewitness interviews into the reasoning. These are complemented by a wide selection of current research literature.' Alexandre Bischofberger, Francia-Recensio
'... the book contains a wealth of information and is useful for students and scholars of Algeria ...' Abdelmajid Hannoum, The American Historical Review
'... McDougall draws upon a range of primary sources and interviews in crafting his nuanced arguments, offering a valuable piece of scholarship aimed at both the student as well as the expert.' Gavin Murray-Miller, The English Historical Review
