'Clear-eyed and illuminating Henry Kissinger

'A rich, superbly researched, balanced history of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia' General David Petraeus

Destined to be the best single volume on the Kingdom. Ambassador Chas Freeman

'Should be prescribed reading for a new generation of political leaders.' Sir Richard Dearlove

Something extraordinary is happening in Saudi Arabia. A traditional, tribal society once known for its lack of tolerance is rapidly implementing significant economic and social reforms. But is all this a new vision for Saudi Arabia or merely a mirage likely to dissolve into revolution?

David Rundell - one of America's foremost experts on Saudi Arabia - explains how the country has been stable for so long, why it is less so today, and what is most likely to happen in the future. The book is based on the author's close contacts and intimate knowledge of the country where he spent 15 years living and working as a diplomat. Vision or Mirage demystifies one of the most powerful, but least understood, states in the Middle East and is essential reading for anyone interested in the power dynamics and politics of the Arab World.