David Marshall has many years of experience in popular journalism. His articlesoften about travelhave appeared in magazines in the US, Australia, the Caribbean, Africa and India, as well as Britain.

Prior to entering journalism Dr. Marshall took a first degree in Modern History and Politics and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in History from the University of Hull, and enjoyed eleven years as a teacher.

His wife always accompanies him on his travels. They live in the Vale of Belvoir on the border of Lincolnshire and Leicestershire in England. This book was written after they had made a number of visits to the Middle East.