READ THE WORLD recommends the three best books on more than 50 countries, taking readers on a trip through Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. The mix of nonfiction and novels - both classic and contemporary - goes beyond books merely set on location, looking instead to those that reveal something of each country's soul. Whether you're an intrepid traveller or an armchair adventurer, climb aboard for a literary journey to encounter different peoples and places, and learn more about them. Enjoy the trip! This book started out as a feature in the Guardian, and has been extensively revised and expanded. ORLD