We've put together a reading list for those who want to learn more about the country, culture, politics and history of Morocco:

* For a glimpse of how ancient arts have influenced modern design in Morocco: Morocco Modern: We All Dwell in a House of One Room by Herbert J. M. Ypma.

* For great recipes, photos and stories from Morocco: Cooking at the Kasbah: Recipes from My Moroccan Kitchen by Kitty Morse, Laurie Smith (Photographer).

* For an introduction to the streets of Morocco where colorful stalls sell all kinds of food: Cafe Morocco (Conran Octopus 'Cafe' Cookbook Series) by Anissa Helou, Jeremy Hopley (Photographer).

* For the story of the indigenous people of North Africa as told through Archaeology, History and literature.

* The Berbers (The Peoples of Africa) by Michael Brett, Elizabeth Fentress (Contributor), Parker Shipton (Editor).

* For the serious traveler who really wants to relate to the people of the country and get a deeper insight into the Moroccan culture: Culture Shock! Morocco by Orin Hargraves.

* For exquisite photos and poetic text transport you to the sands of the Sahara, the Atlas Mountains and the beautiful coasts of Morocco: Escape to Morocco: The Definitive Collection of One of a Kind Travel Experiences by Pamela Windo.

* For a critique of Western writing on the East: Orientalism by Edward Said, Vintage Books, New York, 1994.

* For a glimpse of what North African civilization might have been: Leon Africanus by Amin Maalouf. Of interest by the same author: The Crusades through Arab Eyes.

* For the end of Arab occupation of Spain as related by the last Sultan of Granada: Memoires Ecarlates by Antonio Gala, JC Lattes, 1996 (Look for English translation).

* As Time Goes by: A Novel of Casablanca by Michael Walsh /Paperback /Warner Books, June 1999.

* Morocco since 1830: A History by C. R. Pennell / Paperback / New York University Press, August 1999.

* The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles / Hardcover / HarperTrade, September 2000.

* Medinas: Morocco's Hidden Cities by Tahar Ben Jelloun/ Hardcover / Rizzoli International Publications, October 1998.

* Splendours of Morocco by Izza Genini, Jacques Bravo, Xavier Richer/ Hardcover/ St. Martins Press, September 1999.

Reference Books

Blue Guide Morocco, WW Norton, NY.
Escape to Morocco, Fodor's Travel Publications, Inc., New York, NY.
Fodor's Morocco, Fodor's Travel Publications, Inc., New York, NY.
Knopf Guides: Morocco, Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., NY.
Lonely Planet, Morocco, Lonely Planet Publications, Hawthorn, Australia.