Description
This is a major history of the British Empire's early involvement in the Middle East, spanning the Napoleonic Wars to the Crimean War. The London Review of Books says "The story begins with a bombardment, and it more or less ends with one too." Adding that "Even at this distance in time, the presumption of these proconsuls takes the breath away, and Parry gives lots of space to the most outrageous ones." You can read the full review here.