Lorimer  His Gazetteer and Britain’s Pursuit of Knowledge by Alan Dillon

A fascinating exploration through the renowned Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf, a cornerstone source that remains unrivalled nearly a century after its creation by John Gordon Lorimer in 1908. Officially published in 1915, this Gazetteer remained classified until 1953, shared among a select few—political agents, military planners, and diplomats—serving in the British and Indian Governments. It allowed the British to assert control over the region’s historical narrative for over 35 years and even then, remained under tight control until 1970. John Gordon Lorimer steps into the light in this groundbreaking historical triumph—a rare figure from the early 20th century whose life remained untouched by biographical dispute, despite his pivotal role in documenting the Gulf’s history. In this unprecedented study, Dillion unveils previously unseen political, societal, and economic landscapes and sheds light on a valuable artefact that moulded history despite its biases and subjectivity. Lorimer unfolds as a compelling investigation of historical impact, enriched by an indispensable Gazetteer index—never before published. This book is an undeniable revelation that should not be overlooked.

Alan Dillon served for 12 years in the Royal Marines before changing his profession from one of soldiery to that of diplomacy, joining the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 2000. He has served in Afghanistan, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia and Oman, interspersed by spells in various parts of Whitehall, mostly covering the Gulf and South Asia regions. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and author of Captain Shakespeare, Desert Exploration, Arabian Intrigue and The Rise of Ibn Sa’ud (Medina Publishing, 2021).