This second edition of Bradt's "Syria" is the clear market frontrunner, offering more detailed first-hand information on sites, cultural, historical and social background, accommodation and restaurants than any other guidebook. In addition to the country's impressive historical sites, such as the Roman caravan city of Palmyra and the Crusader castle of Crac des Chevaliers, it incorporates walking and trekking areas, wildlife and other environmental issues, while amusing snippets from literature, local anecdotes and sayings help to stimulate a genuine interest and understanding of Syria's people and the land in which they live. Diana Darke is a fluent Arabic speaker and has specialised in the Middle East for over 25 years.