The Greatest "Asian History, Middle East History" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Asian History

Asian History is a category of books that focuses on the historical events, cultures, and societies of Asia. This category includes books that cover a wide range of topics, including the ancient civilizations of China, Japan, and India, the rise and fall of empires, the impact of colonialism, and the modernization of Asian countries. It also includes books that explore the social, political, and economic changes that have shaped the region over time. Overall, Asian History provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the rich and diverse history of Asia.

Middle East History

Middle East History is a category of books that focuses on the historical events, cultures, and societies of the Middle East region. This includes the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Persia, and Egypt, as well as the Islamic Golden Age, the Ottoman Empire, and the modern political and social developments in the region. These books explore the complex and diverse history of the Middle East, including its conflicts, religions, and cultural traditions, providing readers with a deeper understanding of this important and influential part of the world.

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  1. 1. Orientalism by Edward W. Said

    This book is a critical examination of Western attitudes towards the East, particularly the Middle East, and how these attitudes have shaped and continue to shape Western policies and perceptions. The author argues that the West has a long history of viewing the East as the "other," exotic and inferior, and that this view has been institutionalized through academic disciplines, literature, and media. This "Orientalism," as the author calls it, has served to justify colonialism and imperialism, and continues to influence Western attitudes and policies towards the East today.

  2. 2. The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad

    This book provides an intimate and eye-opening look into the everyday life of an Afghan family. The narrative follows a bookseller in Kabul, who despite the oppressive Taliban regime, courageously continues his trade. The story delves into his family dynamics, the struggles of his two wives, his children's lives, and the societal norms and customs they navigate. It paints a vivid picture of life in Afghanistan, exploring the themes of love, courage, resilience, and the power of literature.

  3. 3. Ghost Wars by Steve Coll

    "Ghost Wars" is an in-depth exploration of the complex history of Afghanistan from the Soviet invasion in 1979 to just before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The book provides an intricate account of the CIA's role and America's foreign policy in Afghanistan, the rise of the Taliban, and the emergence of Osama Bin Laden. It also details the numerous missed opportunities to capture or kill Bin Laden, and the failure to prevent the 9/11 attacks.

Reading Statistics

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

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