The Iraq Times - Annual 1957

Abadi, Arkan; MG Ionides, Memdouh Zeki, KG Fenelon, Suad al Umary, Meer Basri, Abdul Kadhim, Kanaan al-Askari, Jacob Serkis, Lt Col JVJ Bird, Jack Saul; et al.

Published by (The Times Printing and Publishing Company), (Baghdad), 1957

About this Item

Original colour illustrated wraps 28 x 43cm. 138pp with many b/w photos and adverts + 34pp b/w photo sections paginated as follows: A1-5, B1, C1, D1-4, E1-3, F1-2, G1-4, H1-2, I1-2, J1, K1-2, L1-2, M1-2, N1, O1-2 + additional adverts on glossy paper. Covers fair with loss to spine and previous owner's name to front. Interiors tanned with minor loss to some corners (not affecting text), and 3 photo leaves have been partially excised to remove photos (A3/4, G1/2, O1/2). It is not clear how many Annuals were produced, but the Editorial states this is not the first (p27). It is however extremely rare. Worldcat records an undated "Christmas Number" (University of Michigan). The Iraq Times did publish other special issues, such as for Development Week 1957, referred here (Exeter University), and a Special Number on the British Trade Fair 1954 (BL, UCLA). The Iraq Times ran daily except for Sundays, during 1914-64 (LoC), and is now considered "a vital English-language primary source for research on this volatile era in Iraq?s history" (Center for Research Libraries Global Resources Network). The most popular English language newspaper in Iraq, it was forcibly closed by the authorities. It was replaced by the Baghdad News, which was subject to greater government scrutiny, and itself forced to close in 1967. Published at Xmas, it would have been the last to appear before the overthrow of the Hashemite Monarchy (June 1958) which features prominently here. The (unnamed) editor is here emphasising the importance of not losing sight of the Iraqi people amidst discussions about Development Week and economic growth. This is reflected in the cover illustration, and in the articles which address rural areas, water, industry, education, social welfare, 25 years of the Red Crescent, as well as economics. There are also several Xmas themed pieces. Photo sections cover The Royal Year (including King Saud's visit), diplomatic changes, Iraqis abroad, distinguished visitors (including Frank Lloyd Wright to discuss his designs for the unrealised plans for the opera house and post office), putting life in the desert, oil, Iraqi Airways, navigation, horse racing, sport, neighbours (India, Pakistan etc). The adverts are mainly for major companies active in Iraq, including petroleum and support industries, construction, shipping, airlines (BOAC, Middle East Airlines), with space for smaller local services.

Seller Inventory # 4096

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Iraq Times - Annual 1957
• Publisher: (The Times Printing and Publishing Company), (Baghdad)
• Publication Date: 1957
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Poor