ISIS: A History

By Fawaz A. Gerges

Categories: History, Politics & Social Sciences

ISIS: A History (2016) is a book by Middle East scholar Fawaz A. Gerges. Gerges traces the Islamic State from al-Qaeda in Iraq through the Syrian civil war to the self-declared caliphate centered on Mosul and Raqqa. He explains the group's ideology, its appeal to foreign fighters and the regional wars and state failures that let it seize and hold territory.

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• Fareed Zakaria: “This week's book of the week is Fawaz Gerges's "ISIS: A History." This is quite simply the definitive book on the group by a very smart, well-informed guide to the region, superbly researched, well-written and intelligent throughout. Everyone opining about ISIS should be required to read this book first. At the very least, they should read its wise concluding chapter.”