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MEET WITH AUTHOR MARY BEARWOOD
On Wednesday, September 7, 2005, Ninie met with British Author Mary Bearwood
in Washington, DC, after exchanging frequent e-mails between Washington, DC
and London for several months. Bearwood, on Ninie's encouragement, had just
attended the Islamic Society of North America (http://www.isna.net/) Annual
Convention in Rosemont, Illinois, where she displayed her book “The Children
Encyclopaedia of Arabia” in the “Meet The Author” program. The encounter and
the interview are as follows:
NINIE SYARIKIN:
Please tell me about yourself, who you are, what you do, and where you live.
AUTHOR MARY BEARWOOD:
I think you'll get the answer to the first part of this on the attachment. I have now
returned to England to live, after almost 23 years in the Middle East. I am
passionate in my love for the Arab world, and Islamic culture, so I took the
opportunity this past summer of taking a course run by the British Museum in
London on the Decorative Arts of Islam. This was a wonderful course, and made me
realise that there is always more to learn in this life.
SYARIKIN:
I understand that you have published a children encyclopedia not long ago, could
you tell me, extensively, about it? Such as the procedure you took to collect the
materials of that book, the process to write until the time you published it; how long
it took you from the conception until its birth, who the publisher is, what is good
about it, why children should have it, and why parents should buy it for their
children?
BEARWOOD:
The Children's Encyclopaedia of Arabia was first published in 2001. The publisher
is Stacey International, a London firm, who specialise in books about the Arabic
world. When I first envisaged an encyclopaedia I did not, of course, imagine it
would be just me writing it. I thought a team of people would be needed for research
etc. However I waited a long time for a 'team' to appear, and nothing happened! It
was then I realised that I would have to be the one to write this book, and made a
start with the contents page. The book contains information about the early history
of Arabia, the lifestyle and culture of its people, the wildlife and flora and fauna,
and finally the discovery of oil, with all the modernisation that occurred in the last
century. After that I tried not to look at how difficult the whole project was going to
be, and just concentrated on one topic at a time. I started with Falconry as I already
had a couple of books on that subject, and went to see the health clinic for Falcons
in Dubai for help. One thing led to another, and they suggested other people I could
talk to. So, gradually, I began to build up my own team of experts in different fields
who were prepared to give me information, and check my work for accuracy when I
had written it. This whole process took me three years, and I travelled to all the
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countries of the Arabian Peninsula to collect the material I needed. On its
publication I had many compliments from both teachers, parents and children
themselves. One little boy told me what a 'cool' book it is, and teachers said 'it was
the light at the end of the tunnel for them'. For so many years they had struggled to
find informative and attractive information about Arabia, and this was the first
book they had read that fulfilled that job. Sadly, my book came out just after the
9/11 disaster in New York, but in many ways my book demystified Arabia for many
people who had no idea about the lifestyle of people in that area of the world. It is so
important that people understand each other and I hope my book dispels some of
the ignorance about this fascinating, far-away place.
SYARIKIN:
You attended the ISNA Convention early September, where you participated in the
“Meet the Author” program and displayed your encyclopedia. How was your
impression of the ISNA bazaar in general? Were there many good Islamic
books/publishers that you saw/encountered, and were there any competitors in
matters of children's encyclopedia?
BEARWOOD:
Along with about another dozen authors I have just attended the ISNA convention
in Chicago. This is the first year that they had introduced the “Meet the Author”
programme, and although it was a good idea, it wasn't included in the main
programme details, so audiences for the authors were very small. Most of the
authors were disappointed that they were not included more effectively. The
organisers of the conference realised that they had fallen down over this, and have
asked for feedback so they can improve the event another year. The bazaar itself
attracted many, many people. Most of the bookshops there were giving huge
discounts on their merchandise, so I imagine people were pleased with the bargains
available. I didn't see anything else like the Encyclopaedia there.
SYARIKIN:
Overall, are you optimistic that your encyclopedia will be successful, in terms of its
sale and in satisfying and meeting the scientific need of children and youth? Do you
think parents and children should have it?
BEARWOOD:
My encyclopaedia has already been very successful in the Middle East, but in the
West the subject of Arabia meets with some prejudice, particularly from the media.
I would love to think that every library in the U.S. would find a copy useful, and
provide a platform for a more informed attitude towards the people of Arabia.
Certainly they should be prepared to widen their horizons, and I try to remain
optimistic on that subject. Anything that anyone can do to provide good factual
information helps dispel incorrect ideas and teach children that all peoples on this
earth have common goals, joys and fears.
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SYARIKIN:Please convey anything that you would like to say, that have not been
covered in our conversation above.
BEARWOOD:
I think I've probably said enough! Finally, people can buy “The Children's
Encyclopaedia of Arabia” on Amazon.com. The ISBN number is 1 900988 33X.
SYARIKIN: Thank you for giving me your interview, Mary; I wish you good luck
and continued success with your encyclopedia!
BEARWOOD: And I thank you!
(Next page is Attachment)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR, MARY BEARDWOOD
After teaching for more than 20 years in the Arabian Gulf, Mary realised the need
for an informative and pictorially stunning book for children about the area. Mary
had grown to love Arabia but was saddened that no one had produced a book that
captured its fascination and mysteries for young people. She spent three years
researching material for the book, enlisting the help of more than 40 specialists in
all seven countries of the Peninsula.
The Children’s Encyclopaedia of
Arabia was published in October,
2001 by Stacey International.
It has been re-printed three times and is on sale in the
United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait,
Bahrain, Qatar, the United Kingdom and the U.S.A.
Reviews in newspapers and magazines have been enthusiastic.
“This is the kind of book that both adults and children will want to read. It will stay
on the family bookshelf for generations and be dog-eared for decades.” Oman
Today Dec. 2001
“The Children’s Encyclopaedia of Arabia brings together a wealth of knowledge for
young readers to share with a parent, or peruse on their own. Deft organization,
skillful selection and vivid illustrations marks the 175 page tome as it unravels the
wonders of the Arabian region.” Weekend, Dubai October 5th, 2001
Author’s School visits
Mary has visited more than 40 schools in all the countries of the Arabian Peninsula,
the U.K. and U.S.A. talking about how she became an author, and the publishing
process.
A visit to Jebel Ali Primary School, United Arab Emirates.
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Schools Visited
Talks to Professional Groups and Meetings
“Dialogue” – a radio broadcast for the Woodrow Wilson
Centre for Academic Studies, Washington DC
The German Women’s Group, Dubai
Anglo Omani Society, London
Tara – The Arabian Reading Association, Bahrain
Qatar Reading Association, Doha
Al Ain Natural History Group, Al Ain
Mary is happy to receive invitations to talk to your group.
United Arab Emirates
Jumeriah English Speaking
Dubai English Speaking
Jebel Ali Primary
Rashid School for Boys
Emirates International
Jumeirah Primary
Jumeirah College
Al Khubairat , Abu Dhabi
American Community, Abu Dhabi
Al Ain English Speaking
Sharjah English Speaking
Victoria School, Sharjah
Horizon School, Dubai
Dubai Academy, Dubai
Higher Colleges of Technology, Dubai
American University of Sharjah
Saudi Arabia
Dhaharan British Grammar
American International, Riyadh,
The British School, Riyadh
British International School, Al
Khobar
Saudi Aramco schools: Abqaiq
Udhailyah
Dhahran Hills
Ras Tanura
Dhahran School
The Multinational School, Riyadh
Oman
P.D. O.(Shell school)
The Sultan’s School
American-British Academy
Taisim
The British School
Royal Flight
Qatar
Qatar Academy
Doha College
American School of Doha
Park View English School
Bahrain
Ibn Khuldoon National School
St. Christopher’s Junior
British School of Bahrain
Dilmun School
U.K.
Norwich High School for Girls
Millfield, North Walsham
Millview, Chester
U.S.A.
Islamic Saudi Academy, Washington
DC