Looking for Dilmun by Geoffrey Bibby. The classic account of archaeological excavations in Bahrain and the Gulf, tracing the lost Dilmun civilization. Written with real flair -- part adventure story, part scholarly detective work. Essential reading if you are interested in Bahrain's ancient history.
First Light: Modern Bahrain and Its Heritage by Hamad Bin Al Khalifah. A richly illustrated overview of the country's history and culture from a member of the ruling family. Useful for understanding how Bahrain sees itself.
The Making of the Modern Gulf States by Rosemarie Said Zahlan. Covers the political history of Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Oman. Good context for understanding how these small states navigated between larger powers.
Arabian Adventure: A Dream Achieved by Gifford S. Rossi. A personal account of life and culture in the Gulf region, with insights into the rapid modernization of countries like Bahrain.
Bahrain: A Travel Guide by Philip Ward. An older guidebook but still valued for its detailed descriptions of historical sites and architecture across the islands.