Abdul Rahman Munif's epic historical novel, *Land of Blackness*, delves into the tumultuous history of 19th-century Iraq. This first volume introduces the reader to a land of rich culture and complex politics, seen through the eyes of both its native people and the encroaching foreign powers, particularly the British. Munif masterfully weaves a narrative tapestry of personal destinies and grand historical events, exploring themes of colonialism, identity, and the profound impact of clashing civilizations on the ancient land between two rivers.