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Based almost entirely on unpublished archive material, this is a critical history of the reign of Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, who is widely regarded as the founder of modern Kuwait. It discusses his seizure of power, the political concerns underlying the 1899 Anglo-Kuwait Agreement, the nature of Mubarak's involvement in tribal politics, the great struggle for mastery of central Arabia between the Al Saud and Al Rashid dynasties, and the impact that this had on the development of Kuwait under Mubarak's rule. While acknowledging his political skills and his success in establishing the independence and diplomatic identity of Kuwait, the author argues that Mubarak was essentially an opportunist whose ability to control events was ultimately limited and whose abortive Arabian dream was pursued at a high cost to Kuwaitis.