A fascinating exploration of the renowned Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf, a cornerstone source that remains unrivalled nearly a century after its creation by John Gordon Lorimer in 1908. Officially published in 1915, this Gazetteer remained classified until 1953, shared among a select few political agents, military planners, and diplomats serving in the British and Indian Governments. It allowed the British to assert control over the region’s historical narrative for over 35 years and remained under tight control until 1970.
In this groundbreaking historical triumph, John Gordon Lorimer steps into the light as a rare figure from the early 20th century whose life remained untouched by biographical dispute, despite his pivotal role in documenting the Gulf’s history. In this unprecedented study, Dillon unveils previously unseen political, societal, and economic landscapes, shedding light on a valuable artefact that moulded history despite its biases and subjectivity. Lorimer unfolds as a compelling investigation of historical impact, enriched by an indispensable Gazetteer index—never before published. This book is an undeniable revelation that should not be overlooked.
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Alan Dillon joined the Royal Marines in 1988. After 12 years of overseas travel, operational tours, and a brief period of learning Arabic, he transitioned from a military career to one in diplomacy by joining the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 2000. He has served in Afghanistan, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, interspersed with spells in various parts of Whitehall, mostly covering the Gulf and South Asia regions. This book is the result of three years of research on political agent Captain Shakespear, a distant yet far more respectable predecessor.
