This book by Mohamed Hassanein Heikal, a renowned Egyptian journalist and political commentator, is the second volume in his seminal 'Thrones and Armies' series. Titled 'Crisis of Thrones, Shock of Armies: Diaries of the War Palestine 1948', it offers an unparalleled analytical and documentary account of the pivotal 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Heikal delves into the complex political landscape, military strategies, and the profound impact on the region. Drawing on extensive research, personal insights, and rare documents, the book illuminates the internal power struggles ('crisis of thrones') among Arab leaders and the devastating military setbacks ('shock of armies') faced by Arab forces during the conflict. It serves as an essential historical record, critically examining the origins and consequences of a war that reshaped the Middle East.