The legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan has been fondly remembered recently with the 1st November being the fourth anniversary of his death.The book, Sheikh Zayed, by Francis LaBonte, tells the inspirational story of the man that Emiratis affectionately call, the ‘Father of the Nation’. It is written as a children’s book but like the best of this genre, it will be enjoyed by readers of all ages, especially those for whom English is a second language.
Readers will appreciate the many superb black and white photographs of the subject of this volume and the land with which he is synonymous. Supplemented by a clear text, the pictures depict Sheikh Zayed as a man who loved children and who enjoyed his roles as father, believer, leader, falcon hunter and statesman.
Sheikh Zayed is a useful primer, not only on the life of the man but also concerning the formation of the federation and the way the young nation is maturing as a union of emirates.
Residents and visitors to the Emirates today will be familiar with the iconic photograph of Sheikh Zayed. This attractively presented book provides the major details of his life and plots the significant events in the country’s development.
The author, Francis LaBonte, has lived in Saudi Arabia as well as the UAE. Having served as a librarian she writes with an intimate knowledge of the kinds of information and stories that people want to discover.
Details: Francis LaBonte, Sheikh Zayed (Dubai: Jerboa Books, 2006).
This book was last priced at Magrudy’s Bookshops in the UAE at a cost of Dh 56.00.
Dr Geoff Pound
Image: Front cover of the book Sheikh Zayed.
