The UAE, Formative Years, 1965-1975.: A collection of historical photographs by Ramesh Shukla, written by Asha Bhatia.

Dubai: Motivate Publishing,, 1995. First edition, first impression, signed by the photographer and author on the title page. A superb visual record chronicling the period encompassing the transition of the UAE from British protectorate to independence and the first footsteps of its burgeoning self-confidence, with pictures by the UAE's foremost photographer. Shukla arrived in Sharjah from Mumbai in 1965 carrying his treasured Rolleicord camera, since which he has generated an incomparable archive of images of the region. He began working with the Rulers of the Emirates as a freelance photographer in 1968, when by chance he photographed them at a camel race in Sharjah. Since then he has maintained a close relationship with the Rulers that has allowed him unrivalled access to them and their families, permitting him to diligently document the transformation of the Trucial States to the UAE during a career spanning over 50 years. Shukla's close relationship with the Shaikhs and his candid, intimate style is well represented here, including his iconic images of the seven Rulers under the new flag of the UAE, and the signature of the federation agreement by Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in December 1971. Shukla's close relationship also allowed him to capture the Rulers and their families outside of official engagements. His intimate portraits including of the Shaikhs at rest, attending weddings and other family occasions, and moments such as Shaikhs Zayed and Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum sharing a private joke, are clear testimony to the access earned as the region's recording eye for half a century. Shukla's work has garnered wide-ranging respect in the region; he has worked on assignment for Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said in Oman and was the official royal photographer during the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to the UAE in 1979. His role in documenting the UAE's history and transformation since independence has been recognized by the continued public exhibition of his work and the award of a coveted Golden Visa allowing him residency long-term residency in the UAE. Quarto. Original black and white photographic boards, spine lettered in black, grey endpapers. With dust jacket. With black and white photographs throughout. A very good copy indeed, spine ends and corners a little bumped, foxing to top edge, in like dust jacket, extremities lightly creased, a bright example.