His method is that of a Marxist anthropologist. But he is also distinguished by his erudition and familiarity with ancient texts and history, as well as with etymological and linguistic anthropology. Once I began reading, I was unable to put the text down. It is very informative and perceptive. — Ghada Talhami, D.K. Pearsons Professor of Politics, Lake Forest College, Illinois We would expect Abdullah Ocalan to write a political treatise. Instead, he has penned a monumental history of the ancient Near East that offers a grand vision. His well informed and highly original synthesis has the additional advantage of transcending academic fields. This is the first truly postcolonial history of Mesopotamia.