The House Divided: Sunni, Shia and the Making of the Middle East

"The House Divided" is a comprehensive exploration of the intricate dynamics and historical roots underlying the Sunni-Shia conflict in the Middle East. Authored by [insert author's name], this book delves deep into the religious, political, and socio-cultural factors that have shaped and perpetuated this centuries-old rift.

At first I was a bit reluctant. Only the hardback was available from amazon,it and amazon.co.uk wanted £10 for shipping to Italy. I diodn't get it on kindle because I thought it might have maps. But it was well worth it and will almost certainly be my book of the year. It covers a millenium and a half but judiciously focuses mostly on the beginnings and the past couple of centuries. The explanations of how the history has beeen affected by geography, climate, family, tribe, clan, language, imperialism, money and personalities that cross the Sunni Shia divide are concise. Yet they give the reader a much deeper understanding of how the Middle East has ended up how it has. A joy to read.