As political thaw, tourism to Iran is growing, and new visitors are enjoying the warmest of local welcomes. And whether you're admiring the Gate of All Nations in ancient Persepolis, following the Silk Road into Kurdish vilages or relaxing at a café after a day's skiing in the shadow of the imposing Mount Damavand, you can't help but be charmed by the country's diversity.

With a hudge amount of new practical detail - and now featuring maps of the labyrinthine old bazaars of Esfahan, Shiraz, Yazd and Kerman - this fith edition is ideal for travellers keen to experience the range odf sights Iran has to offer, from opulent historic architecture to gleaming modernised cities.

• Explore stunning museums and glittering shrines
• Breathe in the scent of blossom in Shiraz's fine gardens
• Climb the winding mountain path towards Babak Castle
• Admire the rainbow tiles of Esfahan's Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque
• Read advice on tour operators, documentation and independent travel

Detailed field guide dealing exclusively with the birds of the region. It covers all species found in the Arabian Peninsula (including Socotra), Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Cyprus.
All species are illustrated on colour plates (by J Gale, M Langman and B Small), with distribution maps appearing opposite the plates, complete with notes on status and preferred habitat.

• The only comprehensive field guide to the birds in this region
• Over 820 species, including all breeding species and regular visitors
• Species accounts cover all key identification features, as well as distribution and status
• 176 colour plates by three of the world's leading bird illustrators
• Detailed maps show latest breeding, wintering and migration distributions for all species

This is a completely revised second edition. For the first time, the text and maps appear opposite the plates. There are more than 100 new species.