"In this capable, evenhanded work of research, proficiently translated from the Italian, journalist and historian Caridi carefully tracks the founding of Hamas from its offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood to its West-defining period of terrorism to its eventual, effectual embrace of political representation since 2006...an intriguing study of Hamas' tortuous movement from 'pebbles to power...from terrorist attacks to ministries.'"
–Kirkus Reviews "Caridi's English-language debut is timely and informative"
–Publisher's Weekly
"Hamas is hardly an unfamiliar actor on the world stage. But much of the discussion about Hamas is more heated than enlightening. Paola Caridi's book is thus a real treat: it starts not with the controversy but with the movement itself, working from the ground up. interviewing those inside and outside the movement, and poring through written sources. The book explores Hamas's origins, evolution, and choices. Those who are already familiar with Hamas will find new information presented in a careful and judicious manner; those who know less about Hamas will find an accessible and rewarding account of the movement."
–Nathan J. Brown, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs, George Washington University "Paola Caridi, Italian journalist and historian, exploits her mastery of the pen and eye for historical detail to provide a rich, balanced view of the Palestinians' leading Islamist organization–Hamas. Skillfully translated by Andrea Teti, Caridi's book draws heavily upon extensive interviews with Palestinian elites and regular citizens to chart Hamas's rise to popularity and power. A superb addition to the literature on the Palestinians."
–Kirk J. Beattie, Simmons College, Boston
