Author(s): Sean McMeekin

European

The Berlin-Baghdad Express explores one of the most important but least understood stories of the First World War: the bid by the Germans to destroy the British Empire by harnessing the power of Islam. As the Ottoman Empire threw its weight behind Germany, a hugely ambitious project began to unhinge Britain's global grip – by turning the Muslim world against it. Strange expeditions of German spies, soldiers and archaeologists fanned out, from Tripoli to Kabul, spreading jihad, guns and bribes. Afghanistan and Persia were courted as allies for an attack on British India. And all the while frantic attempts were being made to complete the Berlin-Baghdad railway, the weapon that could have won the war . . . Sean McMeekin's fascinating and surprising book sheds new light on the First World War, and reveals the story of an incredible plan – one that came perilously, astonishingly close to succeeding.