[A] fascinating overview of politics and culture in the post-colonial Middle East. Anyone who wants to understand the complexities of Arab societies or better serve the needs of Arab students would do well to consult this book.
C&RL News
Hammond (an Australian journalist who works in the Middle East) succeeds in condensing a large body of data into clearly written, well-organized chapters. . . . Hammond clearly knows the region and is well versed in the various expression of its popular culture. . . . Highly recommended. All readers; all levels.
Choice
This timely volume offers good insights into the emergence of Arab pop culture and is recommended for most audiences.
American Reference Books Annual
The first book to explore how Arab pop culture has succeeded in helping forge a pan-Arab identity, where Arab nationalism has failed.
Pop Culture Arab World! is the first volume to explore the full scope of Arab cultural life since World War II.