Lewis, Bernard

A history of the Middle East, beginning with the division between the Roman and Persian empires over two thousand years ago and continuing through modern times, with a focus on the impact of Western ideas and technology on the region.

Contains letters, writings, and diary entries that help trace the history and development of Western relations with the Middle East.

Examines the reasons why the Islamic civilization, once the world leader on most fronts, including military, economic, and cultural, was overtaken by the West.

Discusses the historic encounters between Islam, the West, and the Jews. Provides a new understanding of the events that gave shape to modern times.

Examines the turbulent history of Middle Eastern and European relations, as well as their cultural differences, in an attempt to explain how the rift between the two developed from the fifteenth century through the twenty-first.

Translates into English 129 Middle Eastern poems spanning the seventh through the early eighteenth century, covering a wide variety of styles and subjects; and provides brief biographies of each poet and an introduction on poetry in Middle Eastern history.

A history of the Middle East, beginning with the division between the Roman and Persian empires over two thousand years ago, and continuing through modern times, looking at the impact of Western ideas and technology on the region.