In this compact guide, the erudite and highly readable Francis Russell describes fifty-seven places in Syria, a country that for millennia has been close to the very pulse of what we term civilization. Following an itinerary that allows the independent sightseer to see as many major monuments in their proper contexts as is practical in a limited time, he travels from the walled city of Damascus with its mosques and museums to Krak des Chevaliers, the ne plus ultra of the medieval castle. On the way he visits cities, towns and desert villages, including Palmyra, one of the great classical sites of the Near East; the great monastery of St Simeon, at the heart of the series of 'dead cities' of Byzantine times; Hama and its famous nourias, the great wooden wheels used to raise water from the river; and many other wonders besides. Russell's easy and elegant ability to share with the reader his knowledge of Syria's history, geography and culture makes the book, like his earlier one on Italy, 'like a conversation with a well-informed friend. He tells you exactly what you want to know, in the most succinct terms' (Country Life).