The Poisoned Well is a well-written book about the history of the Middle East. Having read Peter Frankopan's The Silk Road (as well as many other books about this area) I already had a good understanding of the history, however, this helped me make additional connections and makes my knowledge richer. I wish more history books were as engaging and astute as this.

This is a well written, focused and profound review of the forces and events behind today's conflicts across the Middle East. This is a compelling story of the complexity of these distrustful and nationalistic states grounded on tribalism and religion. The Poisoned Well is a must read for individuals seeking to understand and grasp the confusing and complex forces at work in The Middle East. This is an outstanding history and insightful study of a critically important region in our world.

For anyone who knows the history of post WWI Middle East, this is nothing new, but it is packaged in a compelling form--Hardy goes country by country, choosing vivid participants and onlookers to show the ways in which British, French and American influence (or meddling, depending) shaped the nationalistic countries of Egypt, Algeria, Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Iran emerging from the wreckage of the Ottoman Empire. This is four stars rather than five because almost all of the sources are translated print memoirs and edited letter collections (although the bibliography of them is useful) rather than archival work in original languages.

An excellent introduction into the corruption of Imperialism. Bringing to life the ruthless schemes and innocent suffering of victims.