221x142mm, 132 pages, Hardback
ISBN: 9781917045148 Price: £17.50 Available: February 2025 Available for pre-order here:
City of Cats |
CITY OF CATS
by Rafael Hernández de Santiago “Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the transmission of fire.”
Gustav Mahler City of Cats, opens with an intriguing blend of tradition, modernity, and the symbolic presence of the stray cats that roam the city streets of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The narrative sets up a rich metaphor for resilience and hope, introducing Amir and Sarah, whose dreams of architectural and sustainability innovation represent the tension between honouring the past and embracing the future. Their vision for the city is grounded in respect for tradition, yet their ambitions push the boundaries of what is possible in a modernizing Saudi Arabia. “Tradition is the means by which the vitality of the past enriches the life of the present.”
T.S. Eliot “A heart-warming tale of personal success that explores themes of modernity and tradition in Saudi Arabia today.” “This is a wonderful and entertaining book written by a powerful and original author. It provides a delightful window into Arabian heritage.” |
About the Author
Rafael, Viscount of Espés, is a Spanish national, resident in Saudi Arabia and witness to the last 25 years of the Kingdom’s dramatic transformation. He holds a PhD in Ethics and AI, a master’s degree in international relations and leadership programs for public management, and also served as an artillery officer. He has a broad range of professional experience in general and institutional management, as well as international relations in both the private and public sectors. As a journalist, he has a weekly column in Arab News on AI & Ethics, senior researcher, and speaks at a large number of conferences worldwide. He is founder and board member of various foundations in the fields of Law, AI and Culture. Among his various passions in life, the first is family, sharing with them his passion for literature, classical music and nature through horse riding, mountain climbing, and skiing. The development of a better society through international understanding and technology is a permanent aim for him, together with the preservation of family and tradition in a modern global world. |
