Aref al-Aref's "The Nakba: Jerusalem and the Lost Paradise, 1947-1949" is the seminal first volume of a comprehensive historical account detailing the Palestinian catastrophe. Authored by a prominent Palestinian historian and eyewitness, this book meticulously documents the events surrounding the 1948 Nakba, with a particular focus on the profound impact on Jerusalem. Al-Aref provides invaluable insights into the political, social, and military developments between 1947 and 1949, portraying the loss of Palestinian homeland and identity. This work serves as an essential primary source for understanding the complexities and human tragedy of this pivotal period in Middle Eastern history, reflecting on the profound sense of a "lost paradise" for its people.