Hanna Batatu's seminal work, 'The Old Social Classes and Revolutionary Movements of Iraq,' offers an unparalleled and meticulously researched analysis of modern Iraqi history. This foundational first volume delves deep into the intricate social structures, political dynamics, and revolutionary forces that shaped Iraq from the Ottoman era through the mid-20th century. Batatu exhaustively explores the interplay between class, ethnicity, and religion, providing crucial insights into the rise of various political movements, including communism and Ba'athism. His rigorous research, based on extensive primary sources, makes this an indispensable resource for understanding the complexities of Iraq's past and its enduring legacies.