Muhammad Yaseen Gada:
This is a must-read book for the general public, academics, and analysts.
Outstanding... A must-read for Jerusalem researchers and an important contribution to the bookshelf of anyone interested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or, more broadly, in the political and urban geography of contested cities.
In short, this should become the standard reference on the Jerusalem issue
Jerusalem Unbound is a clearly organized, meticulously researched, highly readable guide to Jerusalem's complex social and political landscape.
A very worthwhile addition to any library... A very accessible text that can be read and enjoyed by scholars within the field as well as educated and informed readers with an interest in Middle Eastern affairs more generally.
This title will be of interest to those hoping for a peaceful solution to Middle Eastern conflict.
Rosemary Hollis, City University London:
Full of fascinating new insights on the complex and contentious subject of Jerusalem, not only is this book very well documented and authoritative, but it is also written with eloquence and compassion. As of now, no one should dare to pronounce on the future of this city without first reading this work. On the basis of painstaking research, Mick Dumper extrapolates from the findings of a major new inter-disciplinary project on 'Conflict in Cities' to reveal how life in Jerusalem has been shaped and reshaped by the introduction of new structures, barriers and security measures, to the extent that, as Dumper contends, the whole notion of defining 'borders' between the Israeli and Palestinian inhabitants of the city defies conventional understanding.
Scott A. Bollens, author of City and Soul in Divided Societies:
An original look at a city in flux amidst impasse. Jerusalem Unbound presents a new argument about how to think about this contentious city, asserting that its fluid, 'many-bordered' nature constrains the unilateral imposition of political power and opens up new alternatives for political compromise.
Rex Brynen, Department of Political Science, McGill University:
Jerusalem Unbound is a truly masterful examination of the layers of complex politics surrounding—indeed, embedded in—contemporary Jerusalem. Michael Dumper uses the concept of a 'many bordered' city to explore the local and international forces that shape patterns of social as well as political interaction. He then, by way of conclusion, builds on this analysis to suggest how the issue might be addressed in the context of a future Palestinian-Israeli peace agreement. The research is excellent, and the result is a delight to read. Jerusalem Unbound is not only essential reading for anyone interested in Jerusalem or the Arab-Israeli conflict but also represents a significant contribution to the literature on divided cities, religious sites, and cities in conflict.
Menachem Klein, author of The Shift: Israel-Palestine from Border Struggle to Ethnic Conflict:
Dumper, a leading expert on contemporary Jerusalem, provides an excellent guide to Jerusalem's current dynamics. This is the most updated and comprehensive account on the frontier city, where conflicting national claims and operations meet religious resacraliztion.
