AN e-book written by a group of distinguished scholars has been published by the Afghan Appeal Fund to raise both awareness and funds.

Afghanistan Revealed is an incisive view into a country that has held the world’s attention for more than a decade. Hardly a day goes by without Afghanistan making news – but behind the headlines, what do we really know about this complex and enigmatic country; its people, its culture and most importantly, its future?

This e-book takes us beyond the media focus on politics and war into the lives of the Afghan people, and the forces that have shaped their individual and collective history.

A range of distinguished specialists shed light on Afghanistan, from the earliest migrations and the emergence of Islam, through the country's role as a key central Asian trade centre, the Anglo-Afghan wars and the Soviet invasion, to the emergence of a post-Taliban state.

Readable and accessible, Afghanistan Revealed is essential background for anyone wishing to understand why peace and stability in the region have been so elusive The iPad-only edition of this e-book has been supplemented with 80 stunning images by a number of award-winning photographers.

It will raise money for the Afghan Appeal Fund, which is run on a voluntary basis by families of British soldiers and aims to raise awareness of the plight of the people of Afghanistan, and raise money to help them, primarily through education.

The e-book is available in two formats: Amazon Kindle and other e-readers and iBooks eBook for iPad.