Top Middle Eastern Historical Biographies and Memoirs

The best Historical Middle East Biographies includes The Mesopotamian Riddle: Deciphering Ancient Writing, Israel: A Clear Guide to Understanding, The Buried Book: Rediscovering Gilgamesh Epic and many others as mentioned below.

1

The Mesopotamian Riddle: Deciphering Ancient Writing

  • Adventure through Victorian-era archaeology and discovery.
  • Fascinating exploration of ancient cuneiform writing.
  • Three unique characters on a historical quest.
  • Unravel secrets of ancient Mesopotamian civilization.
  • Set in the mysterious ruins of Uruk.
  • Engaging narrative from a bestselling author.
  • A thrilling race for glory and knowledge.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.99
2

Israel: A Clear Guide to Understanding

  • A chronological timeline from Biblical times to today.
  • Explore the most misunderstood country: Israel.
  • Written by Israeli American Noa Tishby.
  • Accessible and dynamic portrait of Israel's evolution.
  • Tackles misconceptions with abundant facts and context.
  • Includes personal stories and historical insights.
  • A must-read for understanding Israel's complexities.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.99
3

The Buried Book: Rediscovering Gilgamesh Epic

  • Lively history of the Epic of Gilgamesh.
  • Rediscovery in the nineteenth century by George Smith.
  • Lost clay tablets buried in ancient ruins.
  • A literary bridge between East and West.
  • Engaging portraits of archaeologists and ancient kings.
  • Appeals to both scholars and general readers.
  • Illuminating tale of history and discovery.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.78
4

The Mesopotamian Riddle: Decoding Ancient Writing

  • Exciting quest to decode ancient cuneiform writing.
  • Features three adventurous Victorian protagonists.
  • Explores the golden age of archaeology.
  • Captivating historical narrative with thrilling twists.
  • Uncovers secrets of Mesopotamian civilization.
  • Includes PDF companion for enhanced experience.
  • Written by a New York Times bestselling author.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.05
5

The Devil's Playground: Charlie's Arghandab Story

  • Chronicles Two Charlie's harrowing deployment history.
  • Explores the Arghandab River Valley's fierce battles.
  • Details the creation of COP Tynes outpost.
  • Captures the unyielding spirit of paratroopers.
  • Highlights intense combat and survival challenges faced.
  • Reflects on the emotional toll of warfare.
  • Reveals the valley’s unforgiving nature in conflict.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $23.77
6

The Shah: Abbas Milani eBook Edition

  • Definitive biography of Iran's last Shah.
  • Thorough research from declassified documents and interviews.
  • Explores his rise, rule, and fall from power.
  • Contradictory figure: reformer and authoritarian leader.
  • Highlights impact on modern Iran and Middle East.
  • Insight into U.S.-Iran relations and historical context.
  • Acclaimed by major publications for its depth.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.71
7

Black Saturday: Israel's October 7th Attack

  • Firsthand account of October 7, 2023 events.
  • Insights from Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst.
  • Explores Israel-Palestine conflict's complexities.
  • Includes exclusive interviews from multiple perspectives.
  • Features 16 pages of full-color photographs.
  • A gripping narrative of resilience and truth.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $20.47
8

Out of Egypt: A Memoir [eBook]

  • Richly colored memoir of a Jewish family's journey.
  • Explores life in cosmopolitan Alexandria, Egypt.
  • Features eccentric characters shaping Aciman's life.
  • Written in elegant and witty prose.
  • A vivid depiction of cultural heritage and identity.
  • Highlights themes of longing and belonging.
  • From bestselling author of Call Me By Your Name.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $3.99
9

Lemon Tree: Arab and Jew Unite

  • A poignant story of friendship amidst conflict.
  • Explores Israeli-Palestinian relations on a personal level.
  • A National Book Critics Circle Award finalist.
  • Written by acclaimed author Sandy Tolan.
  • Highlights hope and transformation through shared humanity.
  • Features an updated afterword by the author.
  • Evocative narrative that resonates with readers worldwide.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $11.29
10

Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff (Paperback, 400 pages)

  • Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Cleopatra.
  • Explores Cleopatra's political and sexual intrigue.
  • Details her marriages and brutal civil wars.
  • Highlights relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
  • Separates fact from fiction in Cleopatra's life.
  • Richly detailed and epic in scope.
  • A masterful reconstruction of a magnetic queen.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $11.51
11

The Gates of Gaza: A Story of Hope

  • First-person account of a family's harrowing rescue.
  • Explores the tragedy of Israel’s Gaza policy.
  • Deep tensions behind Hamas's attacks revealed.
  • Amir Tibon’s expertise as an international correspondent.
  • Interviews with residents and soldiers involved.
  • Highlights the broader saga of war and hope.
  • Intimate portrayal of community and conflict dynamics.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $19.53
12

Lemon Tree Arab Heart eBook

  • A compelling story of friendship amid conflict.
  • Explores the Israeli-Palestinian relationship deeply.
  • Highlights hope and transformation through personal narratives.
  • Based on true events from 1967 onward.
  • Features an updated afterword by the author.
  • A National Book Critics Circle Award finalist.
  • Highly readable and evocative narrative style.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.99
13

Blood and Oil: MBS's Quest for Power

  • Revealing insights into Saudi royal family's dynamics.
  • Explores Mohammed bin Salman's ambitious rise to power.
  • Highlights brutal tactics, including Khashoggi's assassination.
  • Examines his lavish lifestyle amid political turmoil.
  • Discusses impact on US-Saudi relations and global stability.
  • Longlisted for prestigious Financial Times Business Book Award.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $3.99
14

The Lemon Tree Audiobook (1 CD)

  • True story of hope and reconciliation.
  • Explores Israeli-Palestinian relationships through two families.
  • Based on a 43-minute radio documentary.
  • Highlights the impact of historical events on personal lives.
  • Symbolizes the search for peace in a divided region.
  • Describes a unique act of faith between cultures.
  • Reflects on 70 years of complex history.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.83
15

On All Fronts: Journalist Education (Paperback)

  • Insights from renowned conflict reporter Clarissa Ward.
  • A riveting account of modern journalism's challenges.
  • Explores the impact of war on personal narratives.
  • Covers key global crises with deep empathy.
  • Highlights the evolution of war reporting post-9/11.
  • Showcases the courage needed in extreme environments.
  • A powerful testament to truth-seeking in journalism.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.75
16

Muhammad: Life from Earliest Sources Audiobook

  • Award-winning biography of Prophet Muhammad.
  • Narrated by renowned voice artist Sean Barrett.
  • Based on the earliest historical sources.
  • Highly recommended by multiple organizations.
  • Perfect introduction to Prophet Muhammad's life.
  • Engaging and insightful audio experience.
  • Accessible for all audiences interested in Islam.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $18.35
17

When Women Ruled the World Audiobook

  • Explores six powerful female pharaohs of Egypt.
  • Highlights Hatshepsut, Nefertiti, and Cleopatra's reigns.
  • Examines women's historical roles in leadership.
  • Questions modern perceptions of female power.
  • Discusses ancient Egypt's unique political landscape.
  • Challenges patriarchal narratives throughout history.
  • Provides lessons for today's world on leadership.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $13.62
18

Cleopatra: A Life (Audiobook) by Stacy Schiff

  • Explore Cleopatra's life as a powerful queen.
  • Stacy Schiff's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography.
  • Intrigue, politics, and romance of ancient Egypt.
  • Discover Cleopatra's strategic alliances with Julius Caesar.
  • Uncover the truth behind her notorious reputation.
  • A masterful blend of fact and fiction.
  • Rich details and epic storytelling throughout.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.83
19

Gates of Gaza: Betrayal and Survival (Paperback)

  • Gripping true story of survival and resilience.
  • Rescue from Kibbutz Nahal Oz during Hamas attacks.
  • Insightful perspective from journalist Amir Tibon.
  • Explores deep tensions in Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • Includes interviews with locals and experts.
  • Highlights systemic failures leading to ongoing violence.
  • Offers hope amidst chaos and despair.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.83
20

Empress of the Nile: Archaeologist's Legacy

  • Inspiring true story of a fearless archaeologist.
  • Saved ancient Egyptian temples from destruction.
  • Chronicled by a New York Times bestselling author.
  • Features Christiane Desroches-Noblecourt's daring adventures.
  • Highlights international efforts against the Aswan Dam.
  • Includes support from Jacqueline Kennedy.
  • Showcases resilience and determination in cultural preservation.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.91
21

Jesus: A Pilgrimage (eBook) by James Martin

  • Engaging meditation on Jesus by James Martin.
  • Combines historical insights with spiritual reflections.
  • Explores Jesus's life in first-century Judea.
  • Invites readers to experience Scripture and prayer.
  • Lighthearted travel stories from the Holy Land.
  • Recognized with multiple prestigious literary awards.
  • Perfect for believers and seekers alike.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.99
22

Eichmann in Jerusalem: Banality of Evil

  • Controversial analysis of Holocaust mentality.
  • Based on Eichmann's trial coverage in 1963.
  • Includes post-trial revelations and author’s postscript.
  • Explores banality of evil in society.
  • Influential work by renowned intellectual Hannah Arendt.
  • Provocative insights into unsettling historical issues.
  • Essential reading for understanding totalitarianism's origins.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $8.99
23

Lawrence in Arabia: War and the Modern Middle East

  • Epic narrative of the Arab Revolt's impact.
  • Uncovers secret plots in the Middle East.
  • Engaging profiles of key historical figures.
  • Reveals the folly of European colonial ambitions.
  • Based on extensive primary document research.
  • Award-winning book recognized by notable publications.
  • Explores the tragic consequences of past decisions.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $25.59
24

Osman I: First Sultan of Ottoman Empire

  • Explore the life of Osman I, first Sultan.
  • Discover the rise of the Ottoman Empire.
  • Includes historical accounts and contemporary perspectives.
  • Visuals of significant figures and events included.
  • Learn about the empire's lasting geopolitical influence.
  • Bibliography for further reading and exploration.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $0.99
25

They Called Me Lioness: A Palestinian Girl's Fight for Freedom

  • Personal memoir of a young Palestinian activist.
  • Details the fight for freedom under occupation.
  • Vivid storytelling highlights daily life struggles.
  • Inspiring account of resilience and courage.
  • Ahed Tamimi’s viral confrontation with Israeli soldiers.
  • Reflects on family impact of occupation.
  • Essential reading for understanding global resistance movements.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.69
26

Blood Brothers: Palestinian Christian Peace Advocate

  • Powerful memoir of a Palestinian Christian's journey.
  • Explores the complexities of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
  • Combines personal story with historical research.
  • Insights on reconciliation and peace-building.
  • A source of hope amidst tension and terror.
  • Encourages understanding and empathy for all sides.
  • Inspires readers to pursue peace in their lives.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.69
27

Black Saturday: The October 7th Attack

  • Firsthand account of October 7, 2023 events.
  • Insights from seasoned war correspondent Trey Yingst.
  • Explores impact on Israelis and Palestinians.
  • Interviews with key figures on both sides.
  • Describes chaos, devastation, and human resilience.
  • Includes PDF with audio purchase on Audible.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.32
28

The Melting Point: War in the 21st Century

  • General McKenzie’s insights on military operations.
  • Emphasizes civilian control over military decision-making.
  • Combatant commanders' unique role in policy execution.
  • Explores the relationship between leaders and battlefield outcomes.
  • Honest assessment of command decisions and consequences.
  • Highlights the importance of leadership in warfare.
  • Engaging perspective on modern military challenges.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $18.80
29

Alexander the Great: Life and Enigmatic Death (Paperback)

  • Explores Alexander's life and mysterious death.
  • Revisionist portrait by acclaimed biographer Anthony Everitt.
  • Analyzes his impact on history and culture.
  • Discusses contradictions in Alexander's character and actions.
  • Examines his relationships with conquered peoples.
  • Presents theories about the cause of his death.
  • Captivating narrative with unflagging energy and insight.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $23.00
30

Echo in Ramadi by Scott A. Huesing

  • Firsthand account of Marines in urban combat.
  • Depicts the harrowing battle in Ramadi, Iraq.
  • Explores themes of brotherhood and sacrifice.
  • Written by Major Scott A. Huesing.
  • Gripping portrayal of modern warfare chaos.
  • Highlights the psychological impact of combat.
  • Comparable to renowned war literature classics.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.83