Did you know that the advent of modern advertising dates back thousands of years? It was signalled by the development of printing in the 15^th and 16^th centuries. Advertising and marketing for the purposes of public consumption has a history going back millennia, and part of this fascinating history was witnessed at the ‘Tales from the East’exhibition, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority at its headquarters in Sharjah.

History buffs, advertising professionals and artists had the opportunity to witness a collection of 264 orientalist posters from the 19^th – 20^th centuries, including one original maquette and two original projects.

On display in a dedicated section is a fascinating assemblage of old advertisement posters from a number of Middle East and North African countries, which can be divided into six main themes: railway companies, shipping companies, airlines, tourism offices, orientalist exhibitions and events, and advertising.

The posters showcase the advent of colour lithography and highlight how the Arab–Muslim world was a central theme in these posters for most part of the early 20^th century.