Dispossessed: The Ordeal of the Palestinians 1917–1980

Dispossessed: The Ordeal of the Palestinians 1917-1980 chronicles the Palestinian experience from the Balfour Declaration through decades of regional conflict. British historian David Gilmour examines key political developments, including the British mandate period and the United Nations partition plan. The book traces the emergence of Arab nationalism and documents the series of events leading to British withdrawal from Palestine. Gilmour analyzes primary sources and official records to examine the complex dynamics between Palestinian, British, and Zionist interests during this period. Through extensive research and documentation, Gilmour addresses disputed historical claims about Palestinian displacement and land ownership. The narrative covers major developments through 1980, including regional wars, refugee movements, and policy decisions that shaped the Palestinian experience. This historical account contributes to broader discussions about colonialism, nationalism, and human displacement in the 20th century Middle East. The work raises fundamental questions about historical documentation and competing national narratives.

Most readers found this book presents a clear chronological account of the Palestinian situation, drawing on both Arab and Israeli sources. Several readers noted it provides context often missing from other works on the topic. Readers appreciated: - Detailed documentation and historical records - Coverage of events between 1917-1980 - Balance between Palestinian and Israeli perspectives - Focus on personal stories and testimonies Common criticisms: - Some sections lack depth - Limited coverage of internal Palestinian politics - Dated (published 1980) - Some readers questioned source selection Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: Out of print, no reviews available One reviewer on Goodreads wrote: "Strong on facts but weak on analysis." Another noted: "Valuable historical account despite its age." WorldCat shows the book is held by 287 libraries worldwide, suggesting continued academic interest despite being out of print.

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🔷 The author David Gilmour served as a Fellow of St Antony's College, Oxford, and has written extensively about Middle Eastern history and British imperialism. 🔷 The book was published in 1980, making it one of the first comprehensive English-language accounts to cover the full scope of Palestinian displacement up to that point. 🔷 The Balfour Declaration, which opens the book's timeline, was just 67 words long but fundamentally altered the future of Palestine by supporting the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people." 🔷 During the period covered by the book (1917-1980), the Palestinian population under British mandate went from being 90% of the total population to becoming one of the world's largest refugee populations. 🔷 The work significantly influenced later scholarship by introducing the concept of examining Palestinian history through the lens of population movements and land ownership records rather than purely political events.