Palestinian Identity: The Construction of Modern National Consciousness

This is a sophisticated scholarly work meant for serious readers. Those wishing to further their understanding of the origins and evolution of the Palestinian national identity will greatly appreciate this book, which was first published in 1997. (Khalidi's book about the struggle for Palestinian statehood, "The Iron Cage" is also highly recommended - the two works are an exceptional and substantial contribution to the study of Palestinian history and politics.)The most significant contribution of this book is that it clarifies the common misunderstanding of the origins of the Palestinian national identity: Khallidi explains that this identity emerged during the period of Ottoman rule over Palestine and not during the British Mandate of Palestine. The book carefully contextualizes the evolution of Palestinian identity within the different colonialist periods, and explains that this identity cannot be understood only in relation to Zionism.At a time when the whole world is beginning to see through the pseudo-history that was pushed forth as the "history" of Palestine/Israel, studies such as this one are making the hidden history of Palestinian identity accessible to all. Khalidi's book has set the stage for further research and understanding of this crucial subject, and has already served as the launching pad for many other studies on Palestine. By addressing the many factors at the heart of the evolution of Palestinian identity, Khalidi successfully peels away the numerous layers of mythology that have been used to keep this identity hidden from the world.

Every American should read three books by Rashid Khalidi: Palestinian Identify, The Iron Cage, and Brokers of Deceit. Without this background it is almost impossible to understand the present situation in Palestine/Israel and the attitudes of many in the Middle East toward America. With it, it is possible to make sense of what is going on, solve the problems, and make peace.

It helped me to better understand the Palestinian people and their fight for their right to exist in a land that in part belongs to them

This is a well documented informative on the Palestinian people and the Zionists' thievery of their land, country and identity, This looks like a process of gradual genocide, in the face of Zionist slogans of "Never again."

Great book. Khalidi leans somewhat towards the Palestinian side; however, a great history book, with respect to the Arab-Jewish conflict, and the unfortunate Palestinian predicament.

For anyone who is interested in knowing the truth behind Palestine, this is what the media wont tell you. One of the best books out, and well known across the globe.

Good book for a general basis of information.

Fascinating, trustworthy, and insightful. See the world through a Palestinian's point of view.