Peoples of Asia – serie

Updated paperback edition telling the dramatic history of the land and peoples of Afghanistan from prehistoric times to the present day. Offers a detailed history, from the Indo-Iranian invasions of the second millennium BC and Alexander theGreat, through to Soviet occupation, Taliban rule, and the 'war on terror' Much description of the contemporary period is based on the author’s own research in Afghanistan Includes a new final chapter covering developments since 2001, including the fall of the Taliban, state building and foreign intervention in the region. The bibliography has also been updated.

This book provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to Tibet, its culture and history. A clear and comprehensive overview of Tibet, its culture and history.Responds to current interest in Tibet due to continuing publicity about Chinese rule and growing interest in Tibetan Buddhism.Explains recent events within the context of Tibetan history.Situates Tibet in relation to other Asian civilizations through the ages.Draws on the most recent scholarly and archaeological research.Introduces Tibetan culture – particularly social institutions, religious and political traditions, the arts and medical lore.An epilogue considers the fragile position of Tibetan civilization in the modern world.

This book relates the history of the Manchus, the rise and fall of their vast empire and their legacy today.

the Persians A Choice Outstanding Academic Title of the Year “This book is not a dry historical narrative but an excellent, rigorous, yet generally accesible overview of Persians in history based on the latest scholarship on Iranian society and history. Essential.” Choice The Persians is a succinct narrative of Iranian history from the time of Cyrus the Great in 558 BC to the present day. The book traces events from the rise of the Persian empire, through competition with Rome and conquest by the Arabs, through to the re-establishment of a Persian state in the sixteenth century, and finally the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and the establishment of the current Islamic Republic. For each period, the author utilizes the most recent scholarship in order to examine Iran’s political, social, and cultural history. He presents this history within an analytical framework which focuses on rulership as the central theme of identity for Iranians. He also considers the part played in Iranian identity by land, political culture, religion, and the arts.