A Concise History of the Middle East provides a comprehensive introduction to the history of this region.

Spanning from the pre-Islamic era to the present, it explores the evolution of Middle Eastern institutions and culture, the influence of European colonialism and Western imperialism, regional modernization efforts, the struggle of various peoples for political independence, the Arab–Israel conflict, the reassertion of Islamist values and power, the issues surrounding the Palestinian Question, and the Middle East following 9/11, the 2011 Arab uprisings, and the regional crisis that erupted after October 7, 2023.

The thirteenth edition has been fully revised to reflect the most recent events in, and concerns of, the region, including its future in the face of climate change and challenges in Iraq and developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In addition, the important role of Middle Eastern women in the history of the region is woven into the narrative. New parts and timelines will help listeners grasp and contextualize the long and complicated history of the region.