Kuwait Transformed: A History of Oil and Urban Life

A fascinating and well-written book, and a very welcome addition to the field of urban history of the Middle East, which is normally focused on Cairo, French North Africa, or on the decadence of newer Gulf powers (Dubai and Abu Dhabi). Though Kuwait City was, in many ways, a forerunner and model for cities like Dubai, al-Nakib makes a strong case for the importance of understanding the conditions that led to their rapid rise and urbanization, as well as the trends they have experienced since the Iraqi invasion in 1990/91. Students and interested readers of topics like the contemporary middle east, the role of oil in state building, and urban planning will all find al-Nakib's book to be valuable and insightful.

This is a beautifully researched investigation of the effect of oil wealth on the poorly controlled growth of the city. The author analyzed the failure of city planning and its effect on Kuwaiti culture. This nonfiction book is well-written. The author clearly has love and respect for her country. The book is mainly useful for those who have a research interest in the subject.

Very important book, powerful and well written

A required reading to learn about Kuwaiti history and effect of oil, urbanization, and politics on Kuwaiti personality and identity. It explains current conflicting feelings and hatred between Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis because of central planning.

I recommend the book for any scholar, in all fields, who are considering Kuwait as a study sample. The author discussed many issues, such as political, economical, social and related them to city planning. Yet it was written in a merchant point view. Other Kuwaitis, with different socioeconomic levels, may have a slightly different explanation of some issues that were discussed.In sum, great job Dr. Farah, highly recommended!

If you are looking for a general history of Kuwait, this is not the right book for you. This book is purely focused on the social structures of Kuwait and how they evolved with the advent of oil. Very little is spent on the rise of the ruling Al-Sabah family, the conflicts with Iraq, the economic, or how Kuwait was able to successfully avoid becoming a colony or getting sucked up into Saudi. I was disappointed at how limited the book was focused.