This concise collection of maps illustrates the history, politics, people and resources of the Middle East. It covers, in the distinctive National Geographic style, changing boundaries, ethnic and linguistic groups, industries, population growth, military strength and other key themes in the region. With 40 photographs and 80 maps, including a two-page spread on each of 16 nations from Bahrain to Yemen and city maps of Baghdad, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Jerusalem and Tehran. Unfortunately, the designers chose to run each political map across the page, which means a significant slice of each country is lost in the gutter.  (MDE71, $21.95)