Best Middle East History Books of 2026

Israel: Beauty, Light, and Luxury is an illustrated Bible devotional with 350 vibrant photos of the Holy Land today, including its features, flora, and people. Tara-Leigh Cobble, the creator of The Bible Recap, pairs rich devotionals with gorgeous photos of Israel, taking readers on an unforgettable journey through the Holy Land. The book offers a unique perspective on Israel, showcasing its beauty and thriving landscapes that go beyond the deserts and ruins. The author's personal experience and knowledge of the country add depth to the book, making it a valuable resource for readers seeking to connect with biblical stories and truth.

The KJV Holy Bible, Giant Print Center-Column Reference Bible, Black Leather-look, 53,000 Cross References, Red Letter, Comfort Print: King James Version is a classic Bible published in the King James Version, featuring center-column references and giant print type. It is designed to provide an easy and comfortable reading experience, without sacrificing its study features, such as book introductions, a concordance, and full-color maps. The custom KJV font used in this edition makes it the most readable version of the Bible at any size. Overall, this Bible is an excellent choice for those who prefer the King James Version and require a larger print size.

The NKJV Value Thinline Bible, Large Print, Leathersoft, Charcoal, Red Letter Edition is perfect for those who want to carry their Bible with them throughout the day. It is lightweight, portable, and features Thomas Nelson's custom NKJV font in large print, making it easy to read. The Bible also includes a helpful reading plan, words of Christ in red, and full-color maps. The ribbon marker makes it easy to keep track of where you left off. The 10.5-point print size is ideal for those who need larger text. Overall, this Bible is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a portable and easy-to-read Bible.

The King James Study Bible, Full Color Edition is an outstanding resource for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible. With over half-a-million words of commentary, study aids, and archaeological insights, this Bible provides a comprehensive study experience. The full-color design, Holy Land images, and classic works of art make it a visually stunning addition to any collection. The book introductions, outlines, and study notes provide important background information and content overviews. This is a must-have for anyone seeking to grow in their biblical knowledge.

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood is a wise, funny, and heartbreaking graphic memoir that tells the coming-of-age story of Marjane Satrapi in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. Through powerful black-and-white comic strip images, Satrapi bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country. This book is intensely personal, profoundly political, and wholly original. It shows how we carry on, with laughter and tears, in the face of absurdity. Overall, Persepolis is a must-read for anyone interested in the human cost of war and political repression, and it introduces us to an irresistible little girl with whom we cannot help but fall in love.

A new history book titled "Assyria: The Rise and Fall of the World’s First Empire" by historian Eckart Frahm is a comprehensive account of the ancient civilization that established the model for future empires. The book not only covers the Assyrians' conquests but also their vast libraries, trade, and information networks, highlighting the crucial role played by royal women. The author's nearly two centuries of research offer a rich picture of the Assyrians and their empire beyond the battlefield. Despite Assyria's crushing by rising powers, their legacy has endured and influenced other empires, including Rome. This authoritative account of a civilization is essential to understanding the ancient world and our own.

The NKJV Value Thinline Bible, Large Print, Leathersoft, Blue, Red Letter, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New King James Version is a portable and lightweight Bible that is easy to read and carry around. It features the reliable text of the New King James Version, a helpful reading plan, and full-color maps, among other features. The words of Christ are highlighted in red, making it easy to identify Jesus’ teachings and statements. The durable Smyth-sewn binding ensures that the book can be used for years to come. This Bible is an excellent choice for those who want to read the Word of God on the go.

Trump's Peace: The Abraham Accords And The Reshaping Of The Middle East is a best-selling book by Barak Ravid, based on exclusive conversations with former US President Donald Trump and senior Israeli officials. The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the secret discussions and agreements between Israel and the Gulf states that led to the historic Abraham Accords. It also includes a new chapter on the legacy of the accords and the Biden administration’s relationship with them. Overall, Trump's Peace is a comprehensive, engaging, and balanced account of the dramatic years in the Middle East that reshaped the geopolitical map of the region.

The Complete Persepolis is a graphic memoir by Marjane Satrapi, which tells the story of her childhood and coming of age during the Islamic Revolution in Iran. The book explores the contradictions between private and public life in a country plagued by political upheaval, and Satrapi's experiences during her high school years in Vienna, as well as her return to Iran and subsequent self-imposed exile. The book is candid, edgy, and searingly observant, with raw humor and hard-earned wisdom. It is a stunning work from one of the most highly regarded graphic artists today, and is a unique and indispensable memoir of growing up in revolutionary Iran.

The Shadow Work Journal is an excellent resource for beginners who want to increase self-awareness, work through past traumas, and release pent-up emotions. This journal includes 60+ profound shadow work prompts, 90+ trigger tracking pages, and 100+ inner child affirmations. By using this journal as a guide, readers can track their triggers, document their thoughts and beliefs, and gain clarity into their shadows. Overall, this book provides an incredible way to practice shadow work and find peace with oneself at a higher level. Its unique combination of prompts, tracking pages, and affirmations make it an essential tool for anyone interested in inner child self-help books.