These books offer primary source readings focusing on significant eras of world history and the pivotal role of the Middle East. Each "crossroad" examines a particular juncture in world history through the cultural and economic crosscurrents that existed at the time. The eras identified include: (1) "The Medieval Period"; (2) "The Pre-Colonial Period"; (3) "The Colonial Period"; and (4) "The Modern Period." Introductory essays for the teacher include: (1) "The Crusading Era" (Jill N. Claster); (2) "The Dynamics of Cultural Encounters" (Lila Abu-Lughod); (3) "The Colonial Period" (Zachary Lockman); and (4) "The Muslim Middle East: Cultural Crossroads" (Mona Mikhail). Teaching methodology is offered with various teaching insights and strategies. Additional teacher readings are titled: (1) "Islam: Stereotypes Still Prevail"; (2) "Early Islamic Civilization in Global Perspective"; (3) "The Crescent Obscured"; (4) "Mathematics and Astronomy"; (5) "Tamburlaine the Great"; (6) "Samarkand"; and (7) "Arab Noise and Ramadan Nights: Rai, Rap and Franco-Maghrebi Identities." (EH)