In this comprehensive study, first published in 1950, Professor Fisher examines all the principal elements that influence environment, development and ways of life in the rMiddle East. Including wide-ranging geographical, historical, sociological and political perspectives, this title provides essential background to anyone with an interest in Middle Eastern affairs.

List of maps and diagrams; Preface; 1. Introductory; Part I: Physical geography of the Middle East 2. Structure and land forms 3. Climate 4. Soils and vegetation; Part II: Social geography of the Middle East 5. Peoples 6. Human society in the Middle East 7. Aspects of the historical geography of the Middle East 8. General economic life 9. Oil resources of the Middle East 10. Demographic trends; Part III: Regional geography of the Middle East 11. Iran 12. Asia Minor 13. The Tigris-Euphrates lowlands 14. The Eastern Mediterranean coastlands 15. Cyprus 16. The Arabian peninsula 17. Egypt 18. Libya 19. The Sudan; Glossary of geographical terms; Bibliography; Index