All the Shah's Horses
A memoir about my time living in Iran during the 1970s when I was the trainer of the Shah’s horses and the Iranian show jumping team. The book explains much about the political and social workings of that country before the revolution of 1979.
Available in Hardcover, Paperback,
Kindle and Nook Book |
All the Shah's Men
As the wife of an American businessman, author Gail Rose Thompson spent the better part of the 70s in Iran where she witnessed the boom of the Shah’s development and his great vision for Iran to be recognized and respected internationally. After an invitation to work for the Imperial Court as a horse trainer, Thompson was able to see many of the royal family’s informal moments.
Available in Hardcover, Paperback,
Kindle and Nook Book |
Crown to Turbans
An inside perspective of the history and sociological character of a nation transitioning from a liberalizing monarchy to an autocratic theology. The glamour of the shah’s court, the bloodbath of the Iran Iraq War and life in contemporary Iran with details about beliefs customs and culture found in this book go far in eradicating the uninformed noise presented by the press about Iran.
Available in Hardcover, Paperback,
Kindle and Nook Book |
Two Worlds Apart
A novel about a pampered Persian girl who is sent to the United States for her High School education and becomes enamored with life in America. When circumstances necessitate her return home, her life changes in ways she never imagined possible. Her love of horses creates an unexpected path for her to become one of the most influential women in Iran.
Available in Hardcover, Paperback,
Kindle and Nook Book |
A Soldier and Patriot
Brigadier General William Denis Whitaker DSO and BAR, CM, ED, CD, BScMil, DScMil, OC, LdH, CoC, was one of Canada’s most highly decorated officers of WWII, a military historian and sportsman. This personal biography written by his only daughter takes the reader from his early life playing racquet sports, captaining both hockey and football teams, through WWII and on to the many athletic and business accomplishments of his captivating life.
Available in Paperback and Kindle
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Journey through the time of the Shah’s Dynasty in Iran...
Welcome to a fascinating journey into the “Golden Years” of the Shah’s Dynasty in Iran – a time when this ancient country was rapidly modernizing. In the 70’s, Gail Rose Thompson spent many years in this beautiful country where she witnessed the boom of the Shah’s development and his great vision for Iran to become internationally recognized – known as Iran’s Great Civilization.
Reza Shah had a vision. It was to make Iran the leading power in the Middle East. His son – His Imperial Majesty Mohamad Reza Pahlavi – Shahanshah of Iran – embraced his father’s ideals for their country. They both believed in developing the country’s industry, education, economics, and military. Pahlavi was also an avid sportsman, and believed his people needed leisure time, therefore he encouraged and supported sports activities. This was especially evident in his promotion of equine sports, namely show jumping. He promoted and supported equestrian activities throughout the country, and because of his love for horses, Gail Rose Thompson was invited to work for the Imperial Court as the Shah’s personal horse trainer.
The time Thompson spent in Iran was remarkable. She was able to personally witness the royal family in informal settings as she was embraced by Iranian high society. She observed the upper class of Iranians at play, not only during equine sporting events, but also in Tehran and coastal resorts as they enjoyed many different sports and indulged themselves in luxury living.
The perspective of a western society horse trainer, working in the Imperial Court with the Shah’s beloved horses, is not only unique and interesting, it is also sprinkled with fascinating and humorous moments. Thompson spent years writing about her experiences and has published three books – All the Shah’s Horses, All the Shah’s Men, and Iran from Crowns to Turbans – that capture the proud spirit and the long-standing traditions of the Golden Years of the 70s in Iran.
In the fall of 2017, Gail Rose Thompson returned to Iran where she was able to meet up with old friends she had gained during her time there in the 70s. She spent memorable moments touring the country and learning about life in the Islamic Republic of Iran, as it is now.
Author Gail Rose Thompson is a Canadian who now lives in the United States. She has been involved in the horse industry all of her life where she has trained riders and horses from an early age. After her cherished time in Iran, she moved to America where she managed a large equestrian facility in Richmond, Virginia for 35 years. Her father, General W. Denis Whitaker, was also an author, which developed her interest in writing about her Iranian experiences in her retirement years.
Reza Shah had a vision. It was to make Iran the leading power in the Middle East. His son – His Imperial Majesty Mohamad Reza Pahlavi – Shahanshah of Iran – embraced his father’s ideals for their country. They both believed in developing the country’s industry, education, economics, and military. Pahlavi was also an avid sportsman, and believed his people needed leisure time, therefore he encouraged and supported sports activities. This was especially evident in his promotion of equine sports, namely show jumping. He promoted and supported equestrian activities throughout the country, and because of his love for horses, Gail Rose Thompson was invited to work for the Imperial Court as the Shah’s personal horse trainer.
The time Thompson spent in Iran was remarkable. She was able to personally witness the royal family in informal settings as she was embraced by Iranian high society. She observed the upper class of Iranians at play, not only during equine sporting events, but also in Tehran and coastal resorts as they enjoyed many different sports and indulged themselves in luxury living.
The perspective of a western society horse trainer, working in the Imperial Court with the Shah’s beloved horses, is not only unique and interesting, it is also sprinkled with fascinating and humorous moments. Thompson spent years writing about her experiences and has published three books – All the Shah’s Horses, All the Shah’s Men, and Iran from Crowns to Turbans – that capture the proud spirit and the long-standing traditions of the Golden Years of the 70s in Iran.
In the fall of 2017, Gail Rose Thompson returned to Iran where she was able to meet up with old friends she had gained during her time there in the 70s. She spent memorable moments touring the country and learning about life in the Islamic Republic of Iran, as it is now.
Author Gail Rose Thompson is a Canadian who now lives in the United States. She has been involved in the horse industry all of her life where she has trained riders and horses from an early age. After her cherished time in Iran, she moved to America where she managed a large equestrian facility in Richmond, Virginia for 35 years. Her father, General W. Denis Whitaker, was also an author, which developed her interest in writing about her Iranian experiences in her retirement years.
Iran... from a different perspective.
Gail Rose Thompson spent many years in this beautiful country where she witnessed the boom of the Shah’s development and his great vision for Iran.
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