William L. Cleveland (1941–2006)

A History of the Modern Middle East examines the profound and often dramatic transformations of the region in the past two centuries, from the Ottoman and Egyptian reforms, through the challenge of Western imperialism, to the impact of US foreign policies.

Good survey textbook for middle eastern history from pre-Islamic times to the post 9/11 world. If you are looking for a strong understanding of events in Middle Eastern History, this textbook serves that purpose. Negatives: could be better organized; not good for use in contemporary events, but good for understanding their underlying roots.

Beginning with the Ottoman Empire, he traces events right down to the Iraq war. It made clear the Sunni/Shia division, along with the other ethnic ones as well as clarifying the politics that the US has played in the region. All of a sudden, the newspapers began to make sense.

Richly detailed, very readable and filled with stories that make the history more accessible. Definitely one of the best textbooks I’ve used.