Dynamism in Islamic Activism: Reference Points for Democratization and Human Rights Book

As other reviewers have pointed out, Clancy-Smith's text is a robust exposition of how so-called 'subalterns' in French colonial Algeria and protectorate Tunisia possessed considerable agency, exemplified in particular by their ability to manipulate their European imperial overlords. However, I think I agree with Heather Sharkey's critique of this text, namely that it is essentially a specialist monograph that cannot serve as much use to the general reader. To be sure, this text did reinforce my general knowledge of some of the problems imperial France faced in securing the intractable border between Algeria and Tunisia and the attendant political problems posed by migrations across the frontier. However, a lot of the material Clancy-Smith covers is so recondite - such as the saga of Bu Ziyan - that it is difficult to find any other sources that even address the selfsame subject matter. Particularly vexing are Clancy-Smith's multitudinous references to a dizzying constellation of geographic locations in the Maghrib, with which if one is unfamiliar makes for very disorienting reading.

In short, if you're looking for a general knowledge of the Islamic Maghrib, I would not recommend this book.