The Middle East: 2000 Years of History from the Rise of Christianity to the Present Day

First published in 1995, Bernard Lewis’ masterly and broad survey of the populations and cultures of the Middle East is now available in paperback. Lewis’ history begins with the emergence of Christianity and demonstrates how the Persian and Byzantine empires have shaped the history of the region. This very readable study also shows how Westernisation has affected the Middle East during more recent history and how shifts in power continue to shape the Middle East today.