This historical dictionary brings together information about the people, institutions, and events that brought the United States in contact with the Middle East and have played a significant role in shaping our relations with the area from the eighteenth century to the present time. The author's introduction presents an historical review of the role Americans and American institutions have played in the region. Entries include persons who have actually been in the Middle East, particularly those who left notable written or visual records; organizations and institutions that operated in the Middle East; and events that occurred in the area. Following a descriptive essay, each entry lists books and articles written about the subject, and where relevant, general biographical dictionaries in which the subject appears. Lists of abbreviations and place names, as well as separate bibliography and an index, are provided.