Thirteen Days in September

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A gripping day-by-day account of the 1978 Camp David conference reveals how President Jimmy Carter successfully persuaded Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat to sign the first peace treaty in the modern Middle East, a landmark agreement that endures today. With his keen insight into the region's complexities and acclaimed journalistic skill, Lawrence Wright meticulously details each of the thirteen days of the conference, shedding light on the intractable issues at play and the scriptural narratives that continue to shape the conflict. Alongside in-depth profiles of the three leaders, Wright vividly portrays other influential figures present at Camp David, including Moshe Dayan, Osama el-Baz, and Zbigniew Brzezinski, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. He also highlights the significant contributions of Rosalynn Carter. The narrative captures Carter’s relentless pursuit of an agreement and the extraordinary collaboration among lifelong adversaries, while also addressing the profound challenges that remain, particularly in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian struggle. This work of history and reportage offers a timely revisit of this diplomatic triumph and an insightful look into the complexities of making peace.