Written by a leading Lebanese scholar and based on previously inaccessiblearchives it is a fascinating and beautifully written account of one of theworlds most ... » 

Written by a leading Lebanese scholar and based on previously inaccessiblearchives it is a fascinating and beautifully written account of one of theworlds most fabled countries. Starting with the formation of Ottoman Lebanonin the 16th century Traboulsi covers the growth of Beirut as a capital fortrade and culture through the 19th century. The main part of the bookconcentrates on Lebanons development in the 20th century and the conflictsthat led up to the major wars in the 1970s and 1980s. Lebanon in the 20thcentury has seen turbulent times the results of which we still see today. Thisis a rich history of Lebanon that brings to life its politics its people andthe crucial role that it has always played in world affairs. «