In Brief Series

Mention of Iran may bring to mind images of turbaned Mullahs and nuclear weapons. On the other hand Persia may provoke other images; of Persian Gardens, romantic poetry or the beautiful wives of the last Pahlavi Shah. But this in no way does justice to the people of Iran, or its rich and complex history. For much of the ancient period Iranian empires ruled vast areas from Afghanistan in the East to Egypt in the West. Starting around 600 BCE with the Medes and ending with the modern Islamic Republic of Iran this book traces the key events of this history. It is aimed at the general reader who is looking for a short, accessible history of Iran. Rather than giving detailed accounts of particular events this book offers the big picture, an outline of the history. It is rather like building a house; starting with the frame, then dividing the interior into different rooms and finally putting the furniture in place. Occasionally you will find events that may not perhaps be central to Iranian history, for example the Battle of Marathon or the meeting of Anthony and Cleopatra at Tarsus in modern Turkey. Such events have been included in order to enable the reader make links between what might be familiar within Western European history to that of Iran. It is hoped that this book might provide an introduction to a complex country that is central to understanding the wider issues of the Middle East today.

It is often said that without Paul the Apostle there would have been no Christian Church. Certainly it was Paul who took the message of Christ beyond the region of Palestine to the Gentiles of Asia Minor and it was Paul who established the first Churches across Anatolia and beyond, into the Greek Peninsula. It is therefore arguable that if it had not been for Paul, the Church would not have become the worldwide Faith that it is today. It is also arguable that without the structure of the Roman Empire of the First Century, the early Church would not have spread as it did. This book places Paul in his historical context; the Graeco-Roman world of the Pax Romana. Part One of the book explains how the Eastern Mediterranean came to be Greek in culture but Roman in government. Part Two looks at the life of a Jew or early Christian at that time, living under Roman rule. Part Three follows the life of Paul; a Roman Citizen, an urban, well-educated Jew of the Diaspora; born in Tarsus, which was then a prosperous and cosmopolitan port city. This is not another Biblical study on the life of St Paul, or a work of Christian apologetics. Rather it looks at the radical Jew of the First Century who challenged the status quo. He was a man who faced both the hostility of the Jews and the might of the Roman Empire. Including some useful maps, it is short and accessible and should appeal to the general reader who wants to learn about the man Paul of Tarsus: a First Century Radical, from a historical perspective rather than the more usual avenue, through Scripture

This book traces the history of the Holy Roman Empire, which lasted for over a thousand years, from the reign of Charlemagne in AD 800 until AD 1806 when it was dissolved following defeat by Napoleon. It is an Empire that had no fixed boundaries and until the 16th century, when the Habsburgs settled in Vienna, it had no permanent imperial city. At different periods its territories stretched from the North Sea to the Balkans and for a time in the 16th century included the South Americas. The first chapter covers the rise of the Carolingian Empire in the 9th century and then its subsequent division into regions that roughly equate to modern France and Germany. Chapter Two looks at the period of the Ottonian dynasty, a time when many of the structures of the Imperial Church were put in place. The third chapter covers the Salian dynasty and conflict with the Papacy over the issue of Lay Investiture. Chapter Four covers the role of the Prince Electors and the process for the election of the Emperor. The last two chapters are devoted to the Habsburgs, a dynasty that lasted from the 12th century until modern times and includes the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire, the foundation of the Austrian Empire and finally the fall of the Austria-Hungarian Empire after World War I.

This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to better understand the complex world of militant Islam. It asks what is the justification, for example, for the barbaric executions of innocent people by the so-called 'Islamic State' On what grounds can this group claim authority to establish a 'caliphate' covering territory in Northern Iraq and Syria? These questions are addressed In the first two chapters by comparing mainstream traditional Islamic teaching with the ideology promoted by such groups as the so-called 'Islamic State'. The following chapter looks at the works of early radical thinkers, for example Ibn Taymiyya and Al-Wahhab, both of whom who were to influence modern Islamists such as Sayyid Qutb of the Muslim Brotherhood and Osama bin Laden who founded Al-Qaeda. All these radical thinkers formed their ideology against a particular historical background. For example Ibn Taymiyya crystalised the doctrine of military jihad in the context of the Mongol invasions of the 13th century. Al-Wahhab and Sayyid Qutb both lived at a time when the Ottoman Empire was in decline and the Arab world was moving into a period of instability following World War One. These issues, including the rise of Arab nationalism are discussed in chapter four. The final three chapters examine the recent rise of militant Islamism including an exploration of the origins of Al-Qaeda and the subsequent growth of Al-Qaeda in Iraq which morphed into the so-called Islamic State. The book is written in an accessible style and includes helpful maps and charts. As with other books in this series it would appeal to the non-specialist. It is aimed at the general reader who is interested in a particular topic but doesn't have the time or inclination to read a heavy academic tome.

This book shows how close Judaism, Christianity and Islam are in terms of their history and beliefs. It has been written mainly for those who are less familiar with Islam and so there is an emphasis on the early Islamic history. However, it is hoped that readers of all Faiths or none, may find the content of interest, particularly in the present climate where an understanding of the history of Islam is important. Starting with the Patriarch Abraham, who is revered by people of all three Faiths, the book takes a broadly historical approach tracing throughout areas of commonality and conflict. Separate chapters are devoted to Abraham, Prophecy, Islamic Expansion, the Shi’a and finally ‘Holy War’ and in each chapter the topic is discussed from the perspective of each Faith. Finally, the Epilogue contains a brief reflection on the current situation in relations between the three Faiths, particularly in the context of the Middle East post 9/11. As with other books in the 'In Brief' series, this book is aimed at the general reader who wants to understand a particular historical topic but doesn’t have the time or inclination to read a heavy academic tome. With this mind, footnotes have been omitted. However, the reader will find a small selection of the main works that are referred to at the end. The book is written in an accessible style and includes useful maps and charts. It should appeal to the general reader with no previous knowledge of the subject.

The history of the Ottoman Empire, as with most Empires, is complex. It is also a history that is little understood by the general public. At the same time there are many events that occurred within the context of Ottoman history that the general reader may be quite familiar with: for example, the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, the Crimean War in 1853, the Battle of Gallipoli or exploits of Lawrence of Arabia during the First World War. This book begins with the arrival of the Turkic tribes into Anatolia in the 13th century and covers the main events up to and including the dissolution of the Empire in 1923. The final part of the book explores the link between today’s conflicts in the Middle East and the peace process following the First World War, in particular the Sykes-Picot Agreement, the Balfour Declaration and the Treaty of Sevres. Although all Ottoman history is fascinating, the period from the 18th century onwards is particularly important in relation to the making of today’s Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Equally, if not more importantly, is the period from the First World War and the dissolution of the Empire. A better understanding of this last period could help many people make better sense of the complex situation in the Middle East today. As with other books in the ‘In Brief’ series, this book is aimed at the general reader who wants to understand a particular historical topic but does not have the time or inclination to read a heavy academic tome. With this mind, footnotes have been omitted but the reader should find the maps very helpful.

This book tells the story of the Mughal Empire, which lasted from 1526 to 1857. The early Mughals, who were ethnic Turco-Mongol and descendants of Timur, or Tamerlane, came from Central Asia. They introduced many aspects of Persian culture into India, for example literature, painting and architecture. The Taj Mahal is a surviving example of the particular Indo-Islamic style of Mughals architecture. Under the first six Emperors, the Mughals experienced expansion and prosperity. The reign of Akbar the Great was unusual for its religious tolerance. Shah Jahan is remembered for the many magnificent buildings he commissioned. The sixth Emperor, Aurangzeb was a conservative Muslim who introduced Sharia Law. Contemporary sources, both biographies and the accounts of European travellers, traders and diplomats, help to put flesh onto the bones of these Emperors. With the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, the Empire went into a steady decline. This was partly due to the affects of Aurangzeb’s religious policies that had alienated the majority Hindu population. Another reason was the growing power of the Hindu Marathas. But the greatest factor was the increasing presence and influence of the British East India Company. By the middle of the 19th Century, Mughal power was limited to just Delhi and its environs. Relations between the British and local population had deteriorated. A minor incident broke out in the ranks of the Bengal Native Infantry leading to the Indian Uprising which was brutally put down by the British. The Empire was then dissolved and India came under the direct rule of the British with Queen Victoria as Empress of India. The Mughal Empire is written in an accessible style that should appeal to the non-academic. Maps, family trees and a Who’s Who should help the reader navigate through this fascinating story.

October 2017 marked one hundred years since the Russian Revolution and the overthrow of the Romanov Dynasty. But as the anniversary approached, there appeared to be some ambivalence in the Kremlin as to how the event should be celebrated, if indeed, celebrated at all. The mood in Russia was captured in Shaun Walker’s enlightening article entitled Tragedy or triumph? Russians agonise over how to mark 1917 revolutions’. Published in The Guardian newspaper on the 17th December 2016, the article reveals the dilemma facing President Putin and those charged with arranging anniversary events. The article reports the words of journalist Michael Zygar, who said: “There is no officially approved narrative of 1917; it’s too difficult and complicated. But it’s a very important period to help understand what’s happening in Russia now, and very important for the national consciousness” Zygar continued: “There’s no official line from the Kremlin – they can’t identify themselves with Lenin, because he was a revolutionary, and they can’t identify with Nicholas II because he was a weak leader.’ This goes some way to explaining the problem facing President Putin. He would not want to celebrate the life of either a revolutionary or a weakling. It could be said that the Soviet experiment was simply a blip in the long history of the Russian people and nationalities ruled from Moscow or Leningrad. But how, or why did the blip happen? More significantly, is the blip slowly being forgotten, while people and events from Russia’s ‘glorious’ past are re-emerging into the Russian consciousness? There are signs that this may be the case. Stalin has been brought in from the cold and a monument to Vladimir the Great has been erected outside the Kremlin. Even a monument of Ivan the Terrible has been unveiled on the grounds that through his expansionist policies he increased Russia’s territory. And the Russian Orthodox Church has been reinstated, not only as a moral force but also as a supporter of the Russian State. Starting with the founding of the Kievan Rus’ in the 9th Century, this book looks back at Russian history to try and discover why these particular rulers are so relevant today. Chapters include the periods of the Mongol Yoke, Muscovy and the Romanov Dynasty. Later chapters cover the Russian Revolution and the Soviet period. As with other books in the ‘In Brief’ series, this book is aimed at the general reader who wants to understand a particular historical topic but does not have the time or inclination to read a heavy academic tome. With this mind, footnotes have been omitted. While there will inevitably be gaps in a book of this size, the intention is to cover the most significant events that moulded Russian history. Should the reader be inspired to further reading on the subject, a small selection of the main works that have been consulted is given. Where possible, maps and charts are provided which should help the reader navigate through the text. A ‘Who’s Who and What’s What’ is included at the end

For most of its history, Central Asia has been ruled by powerful dynasties, fallen under the vassalage of neighbouring empires or been invaded by foreign powers. Only the more remote, inaccessible tribal areas have maintained a degree of independence. However, since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, five distinct independent nation states have emerged that are now generally referred to as ‘Central Asia’, namely Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Regardless of who has been in power over the centuries, the one constant has been the significance of the land bridge that straddles the region connecting Europe and Asia, otherwise known as the Silk Road, or Roads. In ancient times, silks and spices travelled westwards, while furs, wools and precious metals took an eastward route. Consequently, those who controlled the trade-route accrued immense wealth and built great cities such as ancient Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. The ancient Silk Road is now being revitalised. But rather than silks and spices, today the commodities being transported include natural gas, oil, minerals and communication systems. This book tells the story of conquest and invasion, of empire building and colonialism. The earlier chapters include the great Persian/Iranian Empires, such as the Achaemenids, the Sassanids and the Safavids, as well as the exploits of Alexander the Great. Further chapters cover the Turkic migrations, arrival of Islam and the invasion of the Mongols. The final chapters tell of the conflict between the imperial powers of Russia and Britain, which was an event known as the Great Game. The 20th Century period of Soviet rule in Central Asia marks the final chapter and the book concludes with an Epilogue that brings the reader up to current events. As with other books in the ‘In Brief’ series, this book is aimed at the general reader who wants to understand a particular historical topic but does not have the time or inclination to read a heavy academic tome. With this mind, footnotes have been omitted. While there will inevitably be gaps in a book of this size, the intention is to cover the most significant events that moulded Central Asia’s history. Should the reader be inspired to further reading on the subject, a small selection of the main works that have been consulted is provided at the end. Where possible, maps and charts are provided which should help the reader navigate through the text. A ‘Who’s Who’ is included at the end.

Napoleon Bonaparte, when referring to China, famously said; “China is a sleeping giant. Let her sleep, for when she wakes, she will shake the world.” His words were prophetic. For centuries China slumbered. Then, about forty years ago she woke up and since that time has risen to become the world’s second largest economy by GDP with the world’s greatest purchasing power. This book tells of China’s turbulent past. It is a story of famine and flood, invasion and occupation, revolution and renewal, world war and civil war. Starting with the pre-historical Yellow Emperor, the earlier chapters trace the origins of the Great Wall, the discovery of the Terracotta Warriors and the opening up of the ancient Silk Road. Later chapters include the arrival of Buddhism, the period under the Mongol rule of Kublai Khan as well as the refinement of porcelain and the opening up of trade with the West under the Ming dynasty. The final chapters cover the opium wars and the ‘hundred years of humiliation’ that led to the fall of the Qing dynasty. This is followed by the Republican era, Civil War and the arrival of Communism. The Epilogue looks at how China has succeeded in combining socialism with a market economy that has resulted in a dynamic and exciting country. As with other books in the ‘In Brief’ series, this book is aimed at the general reader who wants to understand a particular historical topic but does not have the time or inclination to read a heavy academic tome. With this mind, footnotes have been omitted. While there will inevitably be gaps in a book of this size, the intention is to cover the most significant events that moulded China’s history. Should the reader be inspired to further reading on the subject, a small selection of the main works that have been consulted is provided at the end. Where possible, maps and charts are provided which should help the reader navigate through the text. A ‘Who’s Who and What’s What’ is included at the end.