An updated edition of this landmark history, with brand new and up-to-date material.

Over the centuries the Middle East has confounded the dreams of conquerors and peacemakers alike. This now-classic book 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.

For this third edition, Economist journalist and Middle East correspondent Nicolas Pelham has written an extensive new chapter examining recent developments throughout the Middle East, including bloodshed in Iraq and Afghanistan, the situation in Iran, the continuing Arab-Israeli conflict, relations with the US and recent events in Syria.

A History of the Middle East is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand one of the most crucial and volatile nerve centres of the world, and its prospects for the future.