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 only among select 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 work, John Gordon Lorimer emerges 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 helped to mould history-despite its inherent biases and subjectivity.