[Four consecutive editions] Motoring in the Middle East - An AA Mini-Guide: (1) OT.183 1965-66; (2) 1967; (3) 1968/9; and (4) OS.14 1969/70

A set of 4 consecutive editions tracing the development of motoring during the 1960s. Original green printed wraps 13x21cm. 48; 56; 76; 88pp, all with double-page map, and (4) with additional full-page map. All very good or better with light wear, some foxing and marks especially to (1). The AA's Overseas Touring Service (OTS) launched in 1964 out of its Foreign Routes Service. These booklets were prepared for members travelling within the region or en route to Africa, India and the Far East. Descriptions include country profiles with information on accommodation, auto clubs, and practicalities. EDITIONS: (1) 1965-66 (OT.183): This covers Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey, with Aden, Afghanistan, Cyprus and Saudi Arabia in the appendix. Among the routes are Nairn Transport Company's track (not recommended) and IPC's pipeline roads. Advice is given for militarised areas such as Deir es Zor or where roads cannot support cars. Access to Aden is possible if "strenuous" from Egypt to Djibouti to catch a local boat or the Lloyd Triestino Line (overland via Saudi "is not possible as far as is known"). Saudi Arabia has "very difficult motoring conditions" with roads used by oil company or government to Iraq and the Gulf, with links from there to Bahrain and the Trucial States on the British India Line. // (2) 1967 (OT.183): this adds a section on Kuwait, connected from Basra, with a link to Dhahran under construction. The map is greatly improved for roads into and within the Peninsula, linking Medina, Jeddah, Mecca, Riyadh, Dhahran, and Kuwait with Amman and Basra. // (3) 1968/9 (OT.183): Countries include Afghanistan, Cyprus, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey. Aden and Saudi sections are dropped in spite of improved information on the network. The map appears unchanged. // (4) 1969/70 (OS.14): Redesigned and reordered with new reference number. Turkey is dropped. A questionnaire is added. The maps are redrawn. Extremely rare with only 2 copies of any edition on Worldcat and Library Hub: Exeter University (1969/70); Andrews University (undated). …