25 pages, including a full-page sketch map. Plus black and white plates. Original condition with blue wrappers, titles to front, and containing all the ads. This is a complete issue, seldom found in such good and original condition. This is a fascinating and comprehensive historical report on the Persian Gulf, illustrated with black and white plates and a sketch map and dealing with the early records of commerce dating back to 2000 BC, the important sheltered port of Sur, Albuquerque's control over the Portuguese, and much more. This report being a preface to his book published the following year, Wilson gives us a compelling geographical and historical overview of civilian life, Bahrain and the pearling industry, the Islam religion, and Christain missions, in a time of British presence and much change in Iraq. The author spent almost 18 years in the Persian Gulf and was one of the most important British civil servants in the Middle East. He served in consulates at Ahwaz and Khorramshahr from 1907-1914 and also worked for the Anglo Persian Oil Company. He has been described as a versatile, fearless and exceptionally gifted man who was at home in all walks of life, and in all circumstances. In January 1919, the British set up a military administration under Sir Arnold Wilson, and in April 1920 the League of Nations confirmed the British Mandate over the region. Wilson's rule, however, helped set the stage for Great Arab Revolt in 1920. Because of the major economic investments, British war-time policy in Iraq was very different from western Arabia where they overtly encouraged and aided the Arab Revolt. The British managed to suppress the revolt at great expense. Wilson was later replaced by Sir Percy Cox who was sympathetic to Arab aspirations. On the outbreak of the Second World War Sir Arnold Wilson (who had served in parliament as MP for Hitchin since 1933) joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. An air gunner in Bomber Command, he was killed in action over northern France in 1940 shortly before publication of his second book, S. W Persia: Letters and Diary of a Young Political Officer 1907-1914 (1941). This report pre-dates Wilson's book published in 1928, entitled The Persian Gulf: An Historical Sketch from the earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century. A most incredible report on the ancient commerce of Persia, that shaped to a large extent the state of affairs in the turmultuous regions of the Middle East.
