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A Line in the Sand
Britain, France and the struggle that shaped the Middle East
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Check link for latest rating. ( 4,779 ratings, 493 reviews)
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A Line in the Sand
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Description
A Line in the Sand by James Barr offers a compelling and intricate examination of the British-French rivalry that shaped the modern Middle East. Set against the historical backdrop of the early 20th century, the book meticulously delves into the clandestine agreements and political manoeuvring that redrew the boundaries of a region in turmoil.
In 1916, amidst the devastation of the First World War, two menβSir Mark Sykes, a visionary British politician, and FranΓ§ois Georges-Picot, a French diplomat with a personal vendettaβfabricated a secret agreement to carve up the Middle East between their respective nations. They drew an arbitrary line in the sand, stretching from the Mediterranean to the Persian frontier, delineating spheres of influence that would become British mandates over Palestine, Transjordan, and Iraq, and French mandates over Lebanon and Syria.
The subsequent three decades saw a sordid tale of violence, intrigue, and stealthy political manoeuvres. The narrative unfolds through the exploits of a cast of remarkable historical figures including T.E. Lawrence, Winston Churchill, and Charles de Gaulle. Leveraging declassified documents from British and French archives, Barr vividly recounts the covert and lethal war of espionage and insinuations that transpired between the two former allies now turned bitter rivals.
Barr's meticulous research brings to light the shocking extent of the British and French efforts to undermine each other in their quest for dominance in the Middle East. Through a masterful blend of storytelling and historical analysis, the book reveals how this rivalry sown during the war drastically influenced the geopolitical landscape, setting the stage for many modern conflicts in the region.
βThe very grubby coalface of foreign policy β¦ I found the entire book most horribly addictiveβ Independent
βOne of the unexpected responses to reading this masterful study is amazement at the efforts the British and French each put into undermining the otherβ Spectator
An enthralling and crucial read, A Line in the Sand offers a keen insight into the secret history that defined the Middle East and continues to impact global affairs today. James Barr's work not only enriches our understanding of this pivotal moment in history but also underscores the enduring consequences of imperialistic ventures and international duplicity.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
A Line in the Sand by James Barr is widely praised for its thorough research and engaging narrative on the Anglo-French rivalry in the Middle East. Critics commend the book for its vivid storytelling, gripping detail, and the illuminating portrayal of historical events that continue to influence the region today. Michael Binyon of The Times and others highlight the book's ability to bring this complex and often antagonistic history to life in an accessible and compelling manner.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781847394576
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 26 April 2012
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Simon & Schuster Ltd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 464
About the Author
James Barr has worked in politics, atΒ the Daily Telegraph, in the City, at the British Embassy in Paris, and is currently a visiting fellow at King's College, London. He read modern history at Oxford has travelled widely in the Middle East. His previous book,Β A Line in the Sand, is also available from Simon & Schuster. He lives with his wife and two children in south London.Β
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