10 AUGUST 1929, Page 18

As shrewd, liberal and enlightened a Prince as Arabia ever

produced" is Burton's judgment of Said bin Sultan, the Ruler of Oman who became the first Sultan of Zanzibar in 1830 or thereabouts. His grandson on the spindle side, Mr. Rudolph Said-Ruete, writes his life, and Sir Percy Cox provides a short preface (Alexander-Ouseley, 16s.) Those interested in the affairs of the Persian Gulf should read this history of the great Sultan who co-operated with us in the suppression of slavery.