Book excerpt: A Brief History of Saudi Arabia, Third Edition provides a clear, lively, and comprehensive account of the history of Saudi Arabia from ancient times to the present day. It relates the central events that have shaped the country and details their significance in historical context, touching on all aspects of the history of the country, from political, international, and economic affairs to cultural and social developments. Illustrated with full-color maps and photographs, and accompanied by a chronology, bibliography, and suggested reading, this accessible overview is ideal for the general reader. Coverage includes: Arabia: The Land and Its Pre-Islamic History The Birth of Islam The Islamic Empire and Arabia The Golden Age of Islam The Mamluks, the Ottomans, and the Wahhabi–Al Saud Alliance The First Saudi State Roots of Modern Arabia Unity and Independence Birth of a Kingdom A Path to World Power Oil and Arms The Gulf Crisis and Its Aftermath Challenges and Cautious Reforms At the Center of a Regional Realignment