Oman, a state in southeastern Arabia, is a prime example of a country that has not benefited greatly from modernization, but instead has fallen into economic and political insignificance as a result of economic and technological innovations introduced by the West. Prior to the nineteenth century Mr. Landen finds that native Omanis had developed a thriving maritime industry which was responsible for the country’s economic health. With the advent of colonialism from the West, Oman’s fortunes declined. The changes that took place, the influence of British leaders who directed the political activities in Oman, and the internal politics of Oman are all considered. The last chapter contains speculations on the effect of the discovery of oil on the future of Oman.Originally published in 1967. Provided by publisher.

Part I : Introduction --Oman and the old order in the Persian Gulf -- The premodern Persian Gulf -- Oman before the late nineteenth century -- Part II -- The impact of early economic and technological modernization -- The beginnings of modernization in the Persian Gulf -- Economic change in Oman during the late nineteenth century -- Part III -- The consolidation of British political paramountcy in Oman and the Persian Gulf -- The evolution of indirect rule, 1862-92 -- The defense of British predominance, 1892-1903 -- Part IV -- Oman's political accomodation to a new age -- Collapse of the moderate regime, 1856-71 -- Reconstruction of the moderate regine, 1871-1903 -- Epilogue : -- Oman in the twentieth century.