From Abdullah to Hussein Jordan in Transition [Hardcover]

This book examines the most turbulent period in the history of Jordan's ruling house, the six years following the assassination of the kingdom's founder, Abdullah (1951-1957). Those years witnessed the country's lone episode of weak monarchy, when the king--the novice Hussein or his ill-starred father, Talal--was not the preeminent political actor in the land. Rather, it was during that time at the regime was left in the hands of a mix of Palestinian, Transjordanian, and Circassian royalists who had never before wielded executive authority inside the kingdom. Based on exclusive interviews and newly released archival resources, this book traces the only two royal successions in Jordanian history: the eleven-month reign of the little-known Talal, and the early years of King Hussein.

Robert B. Satloff's book documents a fascinating formative period in Jordanian history, the six tumultuous years following King Abdullah's assassination in 1951...anyone interested in Jordan will find this book very valuable, full of fascinating detail of a critical era in the country's history. --American Historical Review

A finely-detailed history of royal rule in Jordan from the death of King Abdullah in 1951 through the brief reign of King Talal, to the emergence of King Hussein in full command following the crisis in 1957. --Middle East Journal

Excellent....A fine account of these years. --Foreign Affairs

An extremely readable book on the politics of succession and consolidation during the state of Jordan's most turbulent decade. The breadth of sources consulted, and the carefully crafted judgements of the author together with some succinct insights help to make this work arguably the best book yet to be published on the Hashemite kingdom. --International Affairs

A highly interesting account of the politics of a neglected portion of Jordan's past. --Journal of Palestine Studies