Review by Choice Review
The colorful illustrations of this informative and very accessible introduction to the archaeology and cultural history of Afghanistan make it the most attractive volume available on its subject matter. Simpson is an archaeologist and assistant keeper of the ancient Iran and Arabia collections in the British Museum, and he displays a thorough, insightful understanding of the underlying complexities of Afghanistan's location as the "crossroads of Asia." In particular, he discusses local geographical conditions, the migrations and mixtures of many different populations and their cultures, and the relations between the peoples of Afghanistan with those living across arbitrary, and often temporary, political boundaries. Simpson also emphasizes the significant contributions of the indigenous peoples themselves to Afghanistan's history, rather than interpreting their lives and destinies as simple products of external intervention and determination. There are some unfortunate but relatively trivial errors, such as equating pastoral nomads with Gypsies (p. 149), misidentifying Mohammed Daoud's date of death as 1918 (p. 147), and providing an 1848 date for a drawing depicting a scene prior to the First Anglo-Afghan War of 1839-1842 (p. 139). Nevertheless, the book definitely belongs in any university or public library collections on Afghanistan. Summing Up: Essential. All levels/libraries. B. Tavakolian emeritus, Denison University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
With this slight cultural sampler, Simpson, a senior curator for Iranian and Arabian pre-Islamic artifacts at the British Museum (The Begram Hoard), looks past the recent turmoil in Afghanistan to explore the rich history of the "Crossroads of Asia." The book, using many impressive photographs from the British Museum, features important archeological finds illuminating pivotal economic, cultural, and political events of this mountainous land with its fertile area of the southeast, boasting a bounty of metals and minerals as well as a thriving opium cash crop. An army of archeologists from around the globe discovered priceless pottery and other daily objects, graves, coins, and sculpture from ancient societies throughout Afghanistan, from the Achaemenid age to the years of Alexander the Great and the Islamic dynasties in medieval times. Unfortunately, the text is as lifeless as a senior high school history book even as it tackles the creation of the modern Afghan state. This volume is targeted to those enamored with all things Afghan; other readers might find it tedious. Color photos, map. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
Simpson (assistant keeper, dept. of the Middle East, British Museum; The Begram Hoard: Indian Ivories from Aghanistan) has participated in archaeological excavations throughout the Middle East and central Asia. Drawing from his extensive experience, he traces the history and changing culture of Afghanistan from the earliest signs of civilization to the modern era. Simpson sets out to uncover new information on the development of Afghanistan by examining the archaeological finds from the area and coupling this information with the history of the region. Just as important, he considers the relationships-between and among the people in nearby areas-that have influenced the growth of the region, its politics, economy, and religion. By the author's own admission, parts of his account are "necessarily sketchy and summarized," but new data should be forthcoming with the recent changes and reconstruction in Afghanistan. VERDICT This volume would be a welcome read for those interested in archaeology or in more fully understanding the history of Afghanistan. It is also a stimulating addition to high school or undergraduate libraries for students interested in cultural geography.-Brenna Smeall, ReferenceUSA, Papillion, NE (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
