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A History of the Middle East

5th Edition
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( 1,444 ratings, 172 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A History of the Middle East by Peter Mansfield provides a comprehensive overview of the region's complex history, from the rise of Islam to modern geopolitical developments. It examines the cultural, political, and economic trends that have shaped the Middle East, offering insights into its diverse societies and enduring conflicts.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're keen on understanding the complexities and historical events that have shaped the Middle East. It's an insightful journey through the region's rich and turbulent past, offering a comprehensive view that is both informative and engaging for history enthusiasts.

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While the struggle for peace in the Middle East remains one of the greatest challenges facing the world today, here is a fascinating and meticulously researched history of the region. In this masterful work, Mansfield explores two centuries of history in the volatile Middle East, creating a revealing political and social portrait.

The definitive history of the Middle East, fully updated to include a full account of the Syrian Civil War.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
A History of the Middle East by Peter Mansfield provides an engrossing and comprehensive overview of a region that has been a focal point of cultural, political, and religious development for millennia. This authoritative work meticulously details the turbulent journey of the Middle East over the past two hundred years, capturing the essence of its historical transformations and the intricate challenges faced by its people.

Beginning with Napoleon's invasion of Egypt in 1798, the narrative traverses through the decline of the Ottoman Empire, the emergence of modern nation-states, and the highly contentious Palestinian question. Mansfield elucidates the sequence of events with exceptional rigour, offering insightful commentary on the forces that have shaped the Middle East's current geopolitical landscape.

This updated edition includes crucial new material penned by Nicolas Pelham, an esteemed journalist and Middle East correspondent for The Economist. Pelham's additions encompass a broad spectrum of recent developments that have significantly impacted the region, providing readers with a current and nuanced perspective.

The examination includes a thorough analysis of the aftermath of the 'Arab Spring', a series of uprisings that swept across the Arab world, toppling regimes and igniting both hope and turmoil. Pelham delves into the complex situation in Iran, highlighting its nuclear ambitions, internal political struggles, and role in regional conflicts. The enduring Arab-Israeli conflict is scrutinised in detail, presenting various facets and ongoing attempts at peace.

Furthermore, this edition meticulously covers the unfolding humanitarian and political crises of the Syrian and Yemeni civil wars. Pelham's account of the Syrian conflict provides an in-depth look at the multifaceted nature of the war, including the international interventions and the devastating impact on Syrian society. The situation in Yemen is similarly dissected, illustrating the dire consequences of prolonged conflict and regional power struggles.

Peter Mansfield's seminal work, enhanced by Nicolas Pelham's contemporary insights, remains an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the Middle East. Whether you are a student, a scholar, or a general reader with an interest in world history, A History of the Middle East offers an unparalleled exploration of a region that continues to influence global affairs profoundly.

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 History of the Middle East by Peter Mansfield is lauded for its comprehensive and accessible overview of the complex history of the region. Reviewers praise its detailed yet engaging narrative that effectively covers political, economic, and social developments. The book is often recommended as an essential read for those seeking to understand the intricate past and present dynamics of the Middle East.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141988467

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 July 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 415g

Pages: 608

About the Author

Peter Mansfield was born in 1928 in India. In 1955 he joined the British Foreign Office and went to Lebanon to study Arabic at the Middle East Centre for Arabic Studies. From 1961 to 1967 he was the Middle East correspondent for the Sunday Times. He became one of Britain's foremost experts on the region. Peter Mansfield died in 1996. Nicolas Pelham is The Economist's Middle East correspondent. He began working in Cairo as editor of the Middle East Times and since then has spent 30 years studying, travelling and writing in the region. He has worked for the BBC Arabic Service and Financial Times and writes for The New York Review of Books. He is the author of A New Muslim Order (2008) and Holy Lands (2016) which explores the region's pluralist past. Taking occasional breaks from journalism, he has worked as a Middle East analyst for the International Crisis Group, the United Nations and the Royal Institute of International Affairs. In 2017 he won the Gerald Loeb Award for Distinguished Journalism.

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