Over the centuries the Middle East has confounded the dreams of conquerors and peacemakers alike. In this famous book, Peter Mansfield follows the historic struggles of the region over the last two hundred years, from Napoleon's assault on Egypt, through the slow decline and fall of the Ottoman Empire, to the painful emergence of modern nations, the Palestinian question and Islamic resurgence. The Middle East's huge oil reserves gave it global economic importance as well as unique strategic value, and the result was massive superpower involvement.
Incisive and illuminating, 'A History Of The Middle East' is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand what is perhaps the most crucial and volatile nerve centre of the world and its prospects for the future.
