Episode · Honestly with Bari Weiss · 2026-10-13
Books mentioned on How the New Middle East Was Made with Simon Sebag Montefiore
Last week I had the privilege of sitting down with one of the foremost historians of our time, Simon Sebag Montefiore. As I write this, his work has never felt more urgent.
Bari Weiss recommended The Cauldron by Simon Sebag Montefiore, and discussed Stalin by Simon Sebag-Montefiore, The Romanovs by Simon Sebag Montefiore, Catherine the Great & Potemkin by Simon Sebag Montefiore, and Potemkin by Simon Sebag Montefiore.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
-
The Cauldron
The Cauldron by Simon Sebag Montefiore is a compelling historical work that explores the making of the modern Middle East.
Recommended“And that is what he does in his brilliant, best-selling new book, The Cauldron, the making of the modern Middle East.”
Where to get it
-
Stalin
Stalin by Simon Sebag-Montefiore is a sweeping biographical history detailing the life, regime, and inner circle of the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.
Discussed“Seabag, of course, is the author of more than 12 other books, like Stalin, The Court of the Red Czar, The Romanovs, and Catherine the Great and Potemkin.”
Where to get it
-
The Romanovs
The Romanovs by Simon Sebag Montefiore is an expansive historical work chronicling the three-century reign of Russia's most famous imperial dynasty, detailing the political intrigue, power struggles, and human drama that defined their rule.
Discussed“Seabag, of course, is the author of more than 12 other books, like Stalin, The Court of the Red Czar, The Romanovs, and Catherine the Great and Potemkin.”
Where to get it
-
Catherine the Great & Potemkin
Catherine the Great & Potemkin by Simon Sebag Montefiore explores the turbulent political landscape of eighteenth-century Russia and the remarkable partnership between Empress Catherine the Great and her influential statesman Grigory Potemkin.
Discussed“Seabag, of course, is the author of more than 12 other books, like Stalin, The Court of the Red Czar, The Romanovs, and Catherine the Great and Potemkin.”
Where to get it
-
Potemkin
Discussed“Seabag, of course, is the author of more than 12 other books, like Stalin, The Court of the Red Czar, The Romanovs, and Catherine the Great and Potemkin.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (1) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
“And my only regret is I can't start the book with it now. But, you know, there's always the paperback.”