Description
Book Synopsis: Men of Capital examines British-ruled Palestine in the 1930s and 1940s through a focus on economy. In a departure from the expected histories of Palestine, this book illuminates dynamic class constructions that aimed to shape a pan-Arab utopia in terms of free trade, profit accumulation, and private property. And in so doing, it positions Palestine and Palestinians in the larger world of Arab thought and social life, moving attention away from the limiting debates of Zionist–Palestinian conflict.
Reading Palestinian business periodicals, records, and correspondence, Sherene Seikaly reveals how capital accumulation was central to the conception of the ideal “social man.” Here we meet a diverse set of characters—the man of capital, the frugal wife, the law-abiding Bedouin, the unemployed youth, and the abundant farmer—in new spaces like the black market, cafes and cinemas, and the idyllic Arab home. Seikaly also traces how British colonial institutions and policies regulated wartime austerity regimes, mapping the shortages of basic goods—such as the vegetable crisis of 1940—to the broader material disparities among Palestinians and European Jews. Ultimately, she shows that the economic is as central to social management as the political, and that an exclusive focus on national claims and conflicts hides the more complex changes of social life in Palestine.
Details
Looking for a captivating read that takes you back in time and offers a fresh perspective? Look no further than "Men of Capital: Scarcity and Economy in Mandate Palestine". This compelling book explores the economic landscape of British-ruled Palestine in the 1930s and 1940s, shedding light on a world of class constructions, free trade, and profit accumulation.
Unlike traditional narratives, "Men of Capital" diverges from the well-worn path of Zionist-Palestinian conflict, instead focusing on the broader Arab thought and social life. Sherene Seikaly delves deep into Palestinian business periodicals, records, and correspondence, unveiling the intricate interplay between capital accumulation and the ideal "social man". This insightful exploration introduces a cast of characters from diverse backgrounds, offering a window into their lives in new spaces such as black markets, cafes, and cinemas.
What sets this book apart is its meticulous examination of how British colonial institutions and policies shaped the economy during wartime. Seikaly uncovers the impact of scarcity on Palestinians and European Jews, mapping out the material disparities that often went unnoticed. In doing so, she challenges the prevailing focus on national claims and conflicts, revealing the intricate web of social changes that took place in Palestine.
If you're seeking a thought-provoking read that challenges the status quo and broadens your understanding of history, "Men of Capital" is a must-have addition to your library. Don't miss out on this opportunity to delve into the captivating world of Mandate Palestine. Get your copy now!
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