This is a work that brings history to life. Both authors have a deep interest in the region and are unafraid to describe this complexity in a style that is both readily accessible and carefully provocative.

The History of the Middle East is a lesson in itself. It is the best and easiest way to understand Middle Eastern history as a whole.

The History of the Middle East is a careful and academic attempt to delve into the history and cultural studies. It is a lively read.

An introduction to the history of this troubled region from the beginnings of Islam to the present day, this widely acclaimed work by Arthur Goldschmidt Jr. is distinguished by its clarity of style, broad focus, and balanced negotiation of topics. It covers a vast array of subjects including the evolution of Islamic institutions and culture, the influence of the West, the modernization attempts of Middle Eastern governments, the struggle of various peoples for political independence, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the resurgence of Islamic values and authority, issues related to the Palestinian problem, and the post-September 11th Middle East.

The eleventh edition has been completely revised to include recent events in the region, including extensive and recent discussions on the "War on Terror," the Arab uprisings, as well as the rise of the Islamic State (ISIL). The book also includes a new chapter on environmental issues that are progressively affecting the dynamics and political reality of the region.

Arthur Goldschmidt Jr. is a professor emeritus of Middle Eastern History at Penn State University. He is also the author of the book Modern Egypt: The Formation of a Nation-State and received the MESA (Middle East Studies Association) Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2000. Aomar Boum is an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of California (Los Angeles) and a lecturer at the International University of Rabat (Morocco). He is also the author of the book Memories of Absence: How Muslims Remember Jews in Morocco.