Creating the Arabian Gulf - (Middle East Classics) by Paul J Rich (Paperback)

About the Book

Originally published as: The invasions of the Gulf: radicalism, ritualism and the shaikhs. Cambridge: Allborough, 1991.

Book Synopsis

Whether called 'Arabian' or 'Persian, ' the Gulf is one of the most politically important regions of the world, and its history is necessary in understanding the contemporary Middle East. Paul Rich draws on previously closed archives to document the actual heritage of the area and dispel the myths, showing that the influences of Britain and India are far deeper than commonly acknowledged, and that the sheikhs are actually the creation of the British Raj.

Review Quotes

"Imperialism was frequently more reliant on ritual than arms or money" It is a thesis which Dr. Rich pursues with an impressive range of detailed scholarly research from a wide field.

Clearly the whole book is a work of industry and extensive research...much careful research.

Dr. Rich is a prodigious worker. The bibliography, for example, has to be seen to be believed...[he] has so many of the qualities of the born scholar beyond that of mere erudition.

Rich, amid his pharmacy of elixirs, is an enthusiast: ... he cheerfully evokes old notions of cultural leadership, which promoted a "secret curriculum" of hegemony.

About the Author

Paul J. Rich is president of the Policy Studies Organization in Washington, D.C. and visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He was the head of supervisory programs for the Ministry of Education and Culture in Qatar for twelve years. Dr. Rich is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society, recipient of the Cameron Medal for social science research, and Life Governor of Harris Manchester College in the University of Oxford.