FROM AMAZON: Though it lasted for only six tense days in June, the 1967 Arab-Israeli war never really ended. Every crisis that has ripped through this region in the ensuing decades, from the Yom Kippur War of 1973 to the ongoing intifada, is a direct consequence of those six days of fighting.
Writing with a novelist’s command of narrative and a historian’s grasp of fact and motive, Michael B. Oren reconstructs both the lightning-fast action on the battlefields and the political shocks that electrified the world. Extraordinary personalities—Moshe Dayan and Gamal Abdul Nasser, Lyndon Johnson and Alexei Kosygin—rose and toppled from power as a result of this war; borders were redrawn; daring strategies brilliantly succeeded or disastrously failed in a matter of hours. And the balance of power changed—in the Middle East and in the world. A towering work of history and an enthralling human narrative, Six Days of War is the most important book on the Middle East conflict to appear in a generation.
Six Day War: June 1967 – Shaping the Modern Middle East
In Michael B. Oren’s “Six Days of War,” readers embark on an extraordinary journey through one of the most critical chapters in the modern history of the Middle East. Oren’s masterful storytelling and meticulous research unveil the intricate web of events leading up to and during the Six-Day War in June 1967, a conflict that profoundly reshaped the region and continues to reverberate today.
The book is a testament to Oren’s scholarship and narrative prowess. It not only provides a comprehensive account of the political maneuvering, military strategies, and the human experiences that defined the war but also sheds light on the diplomatic intricacies and global context of the time. Oren’s in-depth research draws on an impressive array of sources, offering a balanced and insightful perspective on a complex and multifaceted conflict.
“Powerful . . . A highly readable, even gripping account of the 1967 conflict . . . [Oren] has woven a seamless narrative out of a staggering variety of diplomatic and military strands.”
The New York Times
The strength of “Six Days of War” lies in its ability to make history come alive. Oren skillfully captures the tension, the drama, and the personal stories that unfolded during those six pivotal days. Readers are transported into the war rooms, the front lines, and the hearts of the people who lived through this momentous period. The author’s attention to detail, coupled with his engaging prose, keeps you captivated from start to finish.
This book not only paints a vivid portrait of the war but also highlights the long-lasting consequences it had on the Middle East’s political landscape. Oren’s work underscores how this short but intense conflict was instrumental in shaping the region’s geopolitics, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader dynamics of the Arab world.
“A first-rate new account of the conflict.”
The Washington Post
For history enthusiasts, political scholars, and anyone eager to understand the intricacies of the Middle East, “Six Days of War” is an indispensable read. Oren’s comprehensive exploration of this transformative period in modern history serves as a valuable resource and a testament to the power of historical narrative. It’s a compelling journey through a defining moment that continues to shape the world we live in today.
My Goodreads Review:
Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East by Michael B. OrenMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Very good account of the 1967 Arab-Israeli 6 Day War. The book offers a glimpse into the political and military dynamics that reshaped the modern Middle East in just six days. This book is essential reading for history enthusiasts seeking to grasp the pivotal events of this transformative era.
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