{"title":"Ian Skeet","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to the fascinating world of Ian Skeet, a distinguished author known for his insightful explorations into the realms of travel and adventure. Renowned for his comprehensive and engaging storytelling, Ian Skeet brings the intriguing landscapes and cultures of Oman to life in his works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmongst his celebrated books, \u003cem\u003eMuscat and Oman\u003c\/em\u003e stands out as a captivating journey through the history and rich tapestry of the Omani region. With meticulous detail and vivid descriptions, Skeet offers readers an evocative glimpse into the unique blend of tradition and modernity that defines Oman.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're a seasoned traveller or a curious reader with a thirst for adventure, Ian Skeet's books are sure to enrich your understanding of the world and immerse you in the compelling narratives of distant lands. Venture into his collection and let the stories expand your horizons, transporting you to the enchanting Middle East.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"muscat-and-oman-by-ian-skeet-9781780602240","title":"Muscat and Oman","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Sultanate of Muscat and Oman\u003c\/strong\u003e was a hermit state until 1970, preserving in every detail the poverty, personality, and picturesque reality of a medieval kingdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor forty years, Sultan Said bin Taimur personally controlled everything that happened, deliberately cutting the nation off from the headlong development of the rest of the world. Fortunately for Oman, this would change, and fortunately for us, we have a first-hand witness to this complex society before that watershed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIan Skeet travelled across its vast sand deserts and arid highlands in 1968, preparing the wary inhabitants for the coming of oil, visiting its isolated walled cities, fortified oasis communities, and independent-minded Bedouin tribes. The sultan's motives may have been pure—to preserve his people from the sin of usury and the slavery of foreign debt—but Ian Skeet's portrait is a devastating study of the dead hand of autocracy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith a new biographical afterword from Ian's son, Mark Skeet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'A marvellous work—so learned, so full of insight and yet often so funny.'—Jan Morris\u003cbr\u003e'A totally fabulous portrait of a land on the brink, drawn with intelligence and sardonic good humour.'—Sara Wheeler\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47072311312620,"sku":"9781780602240","price":39.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/26808813482821.jpg?v=1765094327"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/ian-skeet.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}