In print for forty years , The Israel-Arab Reader is a thorough and up-to-date guide to the continuing crisis in the Middle East. The book provides almost 300 primary texts covering more than a century of history. It documents the British mandate and early attempts to handle the conflict; Israel's independence and the outbreak of wars; international diplomatic efforts to make peace including the 1990s’ peace process and its breakdown. Materials are presented reflecting the positions of Arab leaders and states, Europeans, Israel, Palestinians, the USSR, and the United States. The texts of international resolutions and agreements, as well as accords made during the peace process, are also provided.

The new, revised and completely updated seventh edition of the Israel-Arab Reader has been published by Penguin Putnam. Almost 50,000 copies of previous editions are in print, making this one of the most widely used reference books on the Middle East.

The result is a comprehensive work suitable for reading, reference, and teaching. The past editions have been reviewed and re-edited for timeliness and balance. Many new items have been added to bring the coverage up to date