From 1980 until Dr. Bidwell's death in 1994, much of his time was taken up with the writing and compilation of this encyclopaedic work which represents, in the true sense of the word, a unique account of the Arab world from 1798 and a readable assessment of all its aspects. Whereas the classical period is covered in many publications, notably "The Encyclopaedia of Islam", the reader look up assessments and accounts of 14 presidents of modern Syria; all prime ministers of Egypt; the definition and effect of "Resolution 242"; the Istiqlal Party; the Rogers Plan; Saddam Hussein; Dair Yassin; the Agecirus Conference; the Mecca Declaration; the Black September Organization; President Nimeiri; the monarchs of Egypt, Iraq and Libya; King Khalid of Saudi Arabia; Colonel Gaddafi; Nasser; the Battle of Mehran; Count Folke Bernadotte; the massacre of the Mamluks; and President Bourguiba.