A History of Algeria

This is one of very few books that approached the history of Algeria without bias.

Very well done even though the prose is a bit dull.

Necessary and important.

If you don't mind the turgid style, James McDougall gives you a detailed, step by step description of the personalities and conflicts at the center of Algerian politics over several centuries. These, however, were not the only forces influencing the national development. In particular, what are very inadequately covered are two important factors:- How independence from France was actually achieved - not by guerilla war but by international pressure, and- What key foreign powers were doing - especially Soviets and Americans in the 20th century - to influence Algeria's future.In addition, there is virtually no description of the development of the oil & gas industry, which has had more impact on modern Algeria than all the domestic political gaming combined.