Whose Land?

"Whose Land? A History of the Peoples of Palestine" by James Parkes is a historical account that explores the complex and multifaceted history of Palestine, tracing the various populations and conquerors that have shaped the region over time. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Historical Context: The book provides a detailed historical narrative, covering periods from ancient times to the 20th century. It includes discussions on the Canaanites, Hebrews, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, Turks, and Zionists, highlighting their roles and impacts on Palestine.

2. Cultural and Religious Significance: Parkes delves into the cultural and religious significance of Palestine, particularly focusing on Jerusalem, which he argues is crucial to both Jewish and Islamic traditions.

3. Conflict and Coexistence: The book examines the dynamics of conflict and coexistence among different populations in Palestine, highlighting periods of peace and periods of strife.

Plot Summary

The narrative begins with the earliest inhabitants of Palestine, the Canaanites, and proceeds through the conquests and settlements by various groups, including the Hebrews, Romans, and Byzantines. It then moves on to the Arab period and the subsequent arrival of the Crusaders. The book also covers the Ottoman period and the rise of Zionism, culminating in the modern Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Parkes' approach is to provide a balanced view, acknowledging the historical rights and claims of different groups while also recognizing the complexities and nuances of their interactions.

Critical Reception

1. Book Reviews: The book has received positive reviews for its comprehensive and balanced approach to the history of Palestine. Alice L. Eckardt, in a review published in Jewish Social Studies, praised Parkes for his meticulous research and ability to present a nuanced historical account.

2. Academic Reception: The book has been noted for its scholarly rigor and its contribution to understanding the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A review published in Political Research Quarterly highlighted the book's significance in providing a historical framework for contemporary debates.

3. Controversies: While the book is generally well-received, there have been some criticisms regarding Parkes' stance on Jerusalem's sovereignty. Some reviewers have noted that Parkes argues it is right and proper for Jerusalem to remain under Israeli sovereignty, which has been a contentious issue in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Publication Details

• Publication Date: The book was first published in 1949 and later reprinted in 1970 by Penguin Books.

In summary, "Whose Land?" by James Parkes offers a rich and detailed historical account of Palestine, exploring the complex interactions and influences of various populations over time. The book's balanced approach and scholarly rigor have made it a significant contribution to the field of Middle Eastern history.