SWORDS OF SAUD: Volume 1 Birth of the Desert Empire, 1744-1930

1-250521

Traces the dramatic rise of Abdulaziz Ibn Saud and the early campaigns that laid the foundations of modern Saudi Arabia. Details the key conflicts in the unification of the Nejd and surrounding territories, including the wars against the Rashidi dynasty and their Ottoman allies, the capture of Qasim, and the strategic conquest of al-Hasa. Explores the emergence of the Ikhwan, the zealous tribal militia that became Ibn Saud's principal instrument of expansion during the 1910s and early 1920s. Also examines Ibn Saud's position relative to the more visible Hashemite-led Arab Revolt supported by the British Contains 96 black and white photos, 7 black and white maps, 7 pages of color profiles and illustrations, and 17 tables.