A Modern History of Oman traces British imperial influence in Oman from the earliest contacts with the Sultan of Muscat in 1798 to the handover of RAF bases in 1977. During the nineteenth century, Oman's importance to Britain was based on its role in protecting the route to India. The discovery of oil in the region in 1932 changed this strategic context and was accompanied by the start of the reign of Sultan Sa'id bin Taimur whose rule ultimately became unacceptable to Britain. The 'modernising' coup of 1970 in which Sultan Qabus gained power and defeated the rebels in Dhofar, confirmed Oman's incorporation into the Western capitalist world. Oman's strategic importance increased further and American and British access to bases in Oman was invaluable during the conflicts with Iraq in 1991 and 2003.<BR>Tracing political change in Oman from its roots in imperial expansion to the consolidation of the Omani state, Francis Owtram provides a book that not only chronicles the state's development but also offers a theoretical context for such events.