Author of The Gulf States and Oman, Australian photojournalist Christine Osborne draws inspiration from her striking images of the Arab states in a volume of short stories featuring imagined characters from a bygone age. Based on meticulous research and memories of people met at the time, we are introduced to Wajid the pearl diver, Ahmed the fisherman and Aisha of the benevolent date palm. Even Aziz, a cat who dreams of living in the Queen of Sheba's palace, has a chapter devoted to him. Wajid & the Perfect Pearl: Tales of Old Araby is an attractive read for all interested in this fascinating part of the world. It is equally a useful teaching aid for students of English. 40 colour photographs.