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Land Between the Rivers

A 5000-Year History of Iraq
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( 129 ratings, 39 reviews)
Brief Description
Land Between the Rivers by Bartle Bull is a sweeping historical epic that spans five thousand years of human civilization. Beginning with the legendary figure of Gilgamesh building the walls of Uruk at the dawn of recorded history, the narrative unfolds across millennia, culminating in the... Read More
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A sweeping 5,000-year history of Iraq, from the reign of Gilgamesh in c.2900 BC to the coup that overthrew the monarchy in 1958.

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Land Between the Rivers by Bartle Bull is a sweeping historical epic that spans five thousand years of human civilization. Beginning with the legendary figure of Gilgamesh building the walls of Uruk at the dawn of recorded history, the narrative unfolds across millennia, culminating in the dramatic events of 1958 with the fall of Iraq’s last monarchy. This engrossing tale provides not just a history of a nation, but a panoramic view of the world through the lens of the region known as Mesopotamia—the cradle of civilization.

The book takes readers on a journey starting in ancient Sumer, highlighting key historical periods and figures that shaped not only Mesopotamia but influenced global history. The author's detailed research and vivid storytelling bring to life the dynamic interplay between East and West, the constant tensions and exchanges that have defined the region for thousands of years. From the grandeur of ancient empires to the pivotal moments that transformed societies, each chapter unravels the complex fabric of human progress and conflict.

Esteemed critics have lauded the book for its comprehensive scope and engaging narrative. Rory Stewart praises it as "elegant, erudite, ambitious, inventive - a remarkable blend of research, imagination, and first-hand experience." Meanwhile, Peter Frankopan describes it as "a work of great ambition… an account that is informed, filled with insights and a cracking read too."

Land Between the Rivers is the culmination of a decade of painstaking research, writing, and reflection by Bartle Bull. The book navigates through massive historical themes and provides a detailed account of Mesopotamia's significant role in global history. The story captures the essence of humanism clashing with power and fate, offering readers both an insightful historical record and a compelling narrative.

Overall, the book is an odyssey through time, exploring the rise and fall of empires, the birth of culture and civilisation, and the pivotal moments that have shaped the world as we know it today. An essential read for history enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone fascinated by the ancient world's enduring legacy.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781838957858

Publisher: Atlantic Books

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 22 August 2024

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Atlantic Books

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 48.0mm

Width: 160.0mm

Height: 240.0mm

Weight: 861g

Pages: 576

About the Author

Bartle Bull is a former editor of the Middle East Monitor and foreign editor of Prospect magazine. He has written from the Middle East for the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Daily Telegraph, Foreign Policy, Die Welt and other publications. His work, widely syndicated in Europe and the United States, has been featured in Corriere della Sera, International Herald Tribune, Los Angeles Times and elsewhere. He has appeared many times on radio and television and is most frequently a guest on Fox Business News; he has also appeared on the BBC, NPR, Fox News and Al Jazeera.

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