Trending Bestseller

Muscat and Oman

Ian Skeet

No reviews yet Write a Review
Ian Skeet travelled across the vast sand deserts and arid highlands of Muscat and Oman in 1966 8, preparing the wary inhabitants for the coming of oil, visiting its isolated walled cities, fortified oasis communities and independent-minded Bedouin tribes.
Paperback / softback
01 May 2025
248 Pages
$35.00
In Stock: Ships in 4-6 Days
Hurry up! Current stock:

The Sultanate of Muscat and Oman was a hermit state until 1970, preserving in every detail the poverty, personality and picturesque reality of a medieval kingdom.

For forty years, Sultan Said bin Taimur personally controlled everything that happened, deliberately cutting the nation off from the headlong development of the rest of the world. Fortunately for Oman this would change, and fortunately for us, we have a first-hand witness to this complex society before that watershed.

Ian Skeet travelled across its vast sand deserts and arid highlands in 19668, preparing the wary inhabitants for the coming of oil, visiting its isolated walled cities, fortified oasis communities and independent-minded Bedouin tribes. The sultan's motives may have been pure to preserve his people from the sin of usury and the slavery of foreign debt but Ian Skeet's portrait is a devastating study of the dead hand of autocracy.

With a new biographical afterword from Ian's son, Mark Skeet.

'A marvellous work so learned, so full of insight and yet often so funny.' Jan Morris
'a totally fabulous portrait of a land on the brink, drawn with intelligenceand sardonic good humour.' Sara Wheeler

This product hasn't received any reviews yet. Be the first to review this product!

$35.00
In Stock: Ships in 4-6 Days
Hurry up! Current stock:

Muscat and Oman

$35.00

Description

The Sultanate of Muscat and Oman was a hermit state until 1970, preserving in every detail the poverty, personality and picturesque reality of a medieval kingdom.

For forty years, Sultan Said bin Taimur personally controlled everything that happened, deliberately cutting the nation off from the headlong development of the rest of the world. Fortunately for Oman this would change, and fortunately for us, we have a first-hand witness to this complex society before that watershed.

Ian Skeet travelled across its vast sand deserts and arid highlands in 19668, preparing the wary inhabitants for the coming of oil, visiting its isolated walled cities, fortified oasis communities and independent-minded Bedouin tribes. The sultan's motives may have been pure to preserve his people from the sin of usury and the slavery of foreign debt but Ian Skeet's portrait is a devastating study of the dead hand of autocracy.

With a new biographical afterword from Ian's son, Mark Skeet.

'A marvellous work so learned, so full of insight and yet often so funny.' Jan Morris
'a totally fabulous portrait of a land on the brink, drawn with intelligenceand sardonic good humour.' Sara Wheeler

Customers Also Viewed

Discover Books for Every Interest at BookLoop

Discover your next great read at BookLoop, Australia's trusted online bookstore offering a vast selection of titles across various genres and interests. Whether you're curious about what's trending or searching for graphic novels that captivate, thrilling crime and mystery fiction, or exhilarating action and adventure stories, our curated collections have something for every reader. Delve into imaginative fantasy worlds or explore the realms of science fiction that challenge the boundaries of reality.

Books on Hobbies, Crafts, Gardening, and More

For those with a green thumb, our comprehensive range of gardening books provides insights and tips for all levels of enthusiasts. If you're aiming to enhance your financial acumen, our selection of finance, business, and management books offers valuable knowledge from industry experts. Craft lovers will appreciate our assortment of handicrafts, decorative arts, and crafts books, perfect for inspiring your next project. Engage your mind with our collection of hobbies, quizzes, and games books, or explore the mystical with our fortune-telling and divination guides.

Transport, Contemporary Fiction, and Picture Books for Kids

Transportation aficionados can immerse themselves in our extensive transportation books, including detailed works on road and motor vehicles. Young readers are not left out, with a delightful array of picture books and early learning concepts designed to educate and entertain. Fans of contemporary narratives will find compelling stories in our contemporary fiction section. Embark on epic journeys with our fantasy and science fiction titles, or gain inspiration from real-life tales in our biographies and true stories collection. Health-conscious readers can explore our health and wholefood cooking books, focusing on specific diets and conditions.

School Books, Teacher Resources, and Academic Textbooks

Textbooks for Primary, Secondary, and Higher Education

BookLoop proudly supports the educational needs of students and schools across Australia. Our textbook collection includes school books and teacher resources for every phase from primary school books, secondary school books, and essential titles for TAFE courses, vocational training, and university study. Each book is selected to align with curriculum outcomes and classroom needs, making it easy for schools and teachers to plan ahead.

Teacher Resources and Classroom Support Materials

From structured lesson planning to engaging student activities, our wide range of school books and teacher resources provides essential tools for educators. You’ll also find dedicated school and preschool teacher materials designed for early years education, classroom support, and intervention. Teachers can access a reliable selection of workbooks, literacy and numeracy programs, assessment tools, and professional development guides all in one place.

Books for Early Learning Centres and Childcare Professionals

Support the earliest stages of education with our curated range of early childhood care and education books. These titles are ideal for early learning centres, preschools, and childcare settings, offering age-appropriate resources that build foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and emotional development. Families and educators alike trust our resources for quality, clarity, and classroom effectiveness.

Bulk Book Orders for Schools and Educational Institutions

We make bulk school book orders simple and efficient. Schools, libraries, and early learning centres can rely on BookLoop for competitive pricing, fast shipping, and expert support when sourcing large quantities of textbooks and educational materials. Whether you’re restocking for a new term or ordering resources for an entire class, our bulk ordering system ensures convenience and accuracy every step of the way.

Stay Up to Date with Book Trends

Explore our new releases for the most recent additions in romance books, fantasy books, graphic novels, crime and mystery books, science fiction books as well as biographies, cookbooks, self help books, tarot cards, fortunetelling and much more. With titles covering current trends, booktok and bookstagram recommendations, and emerging authors, BookLoop remains your go-to local australian bookstore for buying books online across all book genres.

Explore the Latest and Most Loved Books

Stay updated with the literary world by browsing our trending books, featuring the latest bestsellers and critically acclaimed works. Explore titles from popular brands like Minecraft, Pokemon, Star Wars, Bluey, Lonely Planet, ABIA award winners, Peppa Pig, and our specialised collection of ADHD books. At BookLoop, we are committed to providing a diverse and enriching reading experience for all.