Lorimer: His Gazetteer and Britain’s Pursuit of Knowledge
Alan Dillon, 23 April 2025 14.00 BST at the Royal Astronomical Society and Online
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In Lorimer: His Gazetteer and Britain’s Pursuit of Knowledge, Alan Dillon takes readers on a fascinating exploration through the renowned Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf. This central source of information about the region 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.
John Gordon Lorimer steps into the light in this ground-breaking 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. Dillon masterfully brings to life Lorimer’s contributions and the profound impact of his work.
In this insightful study, Dillon 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. With a foreword by Lorimer’s grandson Sir John Lorimer, this book offers a fresh perspective on a significant historical figure and his enduring legacy.
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 Shakespear: Desert Exploration, Arabian Intrigue and The Rise of Ibn Sa’ud (Medina Publishing, 2019).
