Dr Philip Robins is Reader in Middle East Politics at the University of Oxford. He founded the Middle East Programme at Chatham House, and is the author of A History of Jordan. He has also previously worked as a journalist for the BBC and Guardian. He lives in Oxford
Masterly. A comprehensive and succinct overview. --Hugh Pope - Former Middle East Correspondent for Reuters, Wall Street Journal, and the Independent. The best book on the modern Middle East. Perfect not only for students but for any reader. It is balanced, authoritative and easy to follow. A perfect introduction to this troubled region. --Christopher Catherwood Packs a great deal of knowledge into an appetite-inducing dish. Splendid... not just for beginners, nor just a stepping-stone to the classics. It will make knowledgeable readers rethink. --David Gardner - Chief Leader writer and former Middle East editor, The Financial Times, and author o