Goden Kerr is the master of explaining complex subjects concisely and clearly. In this extract from his latest book, ‘A short History of India’, he explains the birth of one of the world’s greatest religions in 500 words.

Gordon Kerr”s new book, ‘A short history of the Middle East’ is admirably concise. His explanation of the creation of the state of Israel is a masterpiece of clarity.

Gordon Kerr’s latest history book gallops through the tortuous history of the Middle East. This section explores how France sculpted borders onto Syria and Lebanon in the gap between World Wars.