Unlike cats which have remained almost uniform in shape throughout their history, dogs have developed into a myriad of different breeds, ranging from the diminutative Chihuahua to the massive Irish Wolfhound. This book traces the origins of the domestic dog from its first beginnings as a wolf and then explores how the many varieties came about.

The original manuscript of On Hunting was presented to the Hafsid Sultan of North Africa al-Mustansir bi-Allah, known as al-Mansur, in 1247. He was a passionate hunter with Saluqis, falcons and other predators on his estate at Bizerte.

Recent events have once again focused international attention on the volatile politics of the Gulf region. This new book, by three former British ambassadors - all with long service in the region - demonstrates the importance of the Gulf for Britain from the days of Elizabeth I to the present. It tells the story, through the life and works of the British diplomats and consuls and the missions in which they worked, of Britain's involvement, first for trade and later for strategic purposes, in the four key regional states of Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Oman. With wit and insight, the book traces the...

One of the oldest known breeds of domesticated dogs, the Saluki traveled throughout the Middle East with desert tribes, who valued the dogs for their ability to hunt gazelles. Famously painted on the walls of the Pharaohs' tombs, the Salukis' history intrigued English dog enthusiasts who were instrumental in popularizing the breed and importing it to Europe and the United States in the early 20th century. This book tells the story of those who brought the Saluki to the West, most notably Florence Amherst, who discovered the dogs while in Egypt and went on to breed 50 litters. Other world...