Introduction : The nature of Desert Warfare -- Chapter 1 : "The Gatling's jammed and the Colonel Dead" -- Chapter 2 : First World War (1): The Senussi War and the defence of Egypt -- Chapter 3 : First World War (2): Mesopotamia --Chapter 4 : First World War (3): The Arab revolt, Sinai and Palestine -- Chapter 5 : "Fox Killed in the open" -- Chapter 6 - The Western Desert 1941-42 : Battles of manoeuvre -- Chapter 7 : The Western Desert 1942-43 : Battles of position -- Chapter 8 : Desert Elites -- Chapter 9 : Desert Warfare since 1945 -- Bibliography -- Index. "Approximately one-fifth of the earth's surface consists of desert, and throughout history these arid regions have witnessed some of the world's most decisive battles. Here, Bryan Perrett gives an absorbing account of desert conflicts from the first century BC to more contemporary conflicts such as those in Iran and Iraq. As he demonstrates, acclimatization and familiarization with the day-to-day problems of desert life are vital not only to teach troops how to protect themselves and their equipment, but also to bring them to terms with the harsh environment. The desert does not compromise, and battles fought there result in total victory or total defeat, often at horrific cost."--Publisher description.