The Man Who Created the Middle East is an attempt by Christopher Sykes to overturn “preconceived notions” about his grandfather, Sir Mark Sykes, a man whose name epitomises colonial arrogance and aristocratic ignorance. But can he save one of the most tarnished reputations in the Middle East? Mark Sykes was one half of an Anglo-French double act that negotiated how their governments might divide the Middle East after the defeat of the Ottoman armies. At first glance, Sir Mark Sykes seems the perfect fall guy. The Man Who Created the Middle East is published by Willam Collins (£25).

Source: The Guardian November 13, 2016 11:00 UTC