About the Author

Stuart Laing was British Ambassador to Oman (2002-2005) and Kuwait (2005-2008) before moving into academia and taking on the role of Master at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. His wife, Sibella Laing, a fellow Cambridge graduate, played a central role in the research and preparation of material for this book.

Robert John Alston, CMG, QSO, DL served as British Ambassador to Oman from 1986-1990 before going on to become British High Commissioner to New Zealand and subsequently Governor to the Pitcairn Islands.