Bahrain

Bahrain has been known for generations as pivotal in the Persian Gulf (or "the Gulf" as that vital area is frequently known today) - as a symbol of sound administration, stability and advancement, and as a hub of internationalism and regional communications.

Today it is a thriving, independent, forward-looking state: a constitutional monarchy which sets standards among its neighbours for democratic reform including female suffrage, and for respect for human rights, freedom of expression, and the independence of its judiciary.

From ancient times Bahrain was a centre point for trade between the major civilisations of the day, flourishing in the third and second millennia as a power in its own right, essential to the interplay of Mesopotamia with its fellow riverine cultures westwards on the Nile and the Indus eastwards.

Its people converted to Islam within the lifetime of the Prophet, and Bahrain was to flourish anew as the centre of the global pearling trade down to the third decade of the 20th century.

The new work, Bahrain, is the first comprehensive, fully illustrated book on the island state and latest in a series of highly successful Stacey International titles on individual countries across the Near and Middle East, and South Asia.

The authoritative text and brilliant photography and maps cover the full gamut of information on Bahrain in a structured work of seven sections: Bahrain in Today"s World, Geography and Aspect of Land and Sea, People and Society, Religion and Religious Tolerance, Heritage and Culture, Governance and Administration, and Economy and Commerce.

EDITOR:
Robin Lamb, a recent British ambassador to Bahrain, and the son of a former ambassador in the Gulf and diplomat in Bahrain itself, has a deep familiarity with the island and its people. He is currently head of business development for the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of the Bahrain-British Business Council. For this book he has drawn on contributions from several specialists on various aspects of Bahrain.

ILLUSTRATIONS
300 colour & b/w photos