This book reassesses the reign of Said bin Taymur, who was deposed by his son, Qabus bin Said, in a coup in July 1970. Contemporary historiography of the period of Said s rule (1932-1970) views Oman as medieval and isolationist; Qabus later government is seen as progressive and enlightened, with his ascendancy to the throne often described as the rebirth of Oman from its medieval slumber into a thriving and prosperous Sultanate. This study refutes the prevailing view that Said s four-decade reign should be perceived as a place where time stood still. The author offers a critical look at the...