“Ruthven’s unblushing polemic treats Jamal Khashoggi’s gruesome murder in Istanbul and its cover-up as representative of the Saudi kingdom’s recent policies rather than, as their defenders claim, a regrettable aberration”
—Jonathan Benthall, Books of the Year, Times Literary Supplement
“Ruthven is the leading British authority on modern Islam. His books are essential for understanding what is going on in the Middle East today”
—Robert Irwin, author of The Arabian Nightmare
“One of today’s most perceptive observers and historians of religion”
—Guardian
“One of our most consistently sophisticated and stimulating writers on contemporary religion in general and Islam in particular. In a crowded field Ruthven remains way ahead of the pack.”
—William Dalrymple, author of The Anarchy
“A shocking exposé of ruthlessness and folly. Ruthven gives a timely study of Saudi Arabia in its historical context and biting insight into its politics in an unravelling Middle East.”
—Colin Thubron, author of Shadow of the Silk Road
“An eye-popping and unsettling read … meticulous”
—Justin Marozzi, Times
“Informed and insightful … Ruthven has won a deserved reputation as one of the most informed and acute writers on the Islamic world, eschewing angry pontification or clever instant commentary. This book … deserves to be read by anyone seriously interested in Saudi Arabia and its growing influence in the world … excellent”
—Jason Burke, Literary Review
“****”
—Rory McCarthy, Telegraph
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