Edward Donald Wortman, a renowned retired American magician and a professor is currently in the country on a two-month research on Gambian culture.

The 52-year old Akansas retired magician wants to promote the Gambian culture in the international arena, as it deserves space in the international cultural arena.

In an interview with the Daily Observer, Mr Donald said the book would feature Gambia's cultural heritage, the people and its day-to-day activities.

It is expected to contain about 2,000 photos of different local sites, animals species, as well as cultural and historical sites.

Asserting that he would conduct lectures at various United States universities before the publication, Professor Wortman recalled that in July 2007, he attempted to publish a sample; copies of which he sent to the Gambian Embassy in the United States, St Mary's College, Gambia Tourism Office, as well as the National Council for Arts and Culture.

According to him, the research is being carried out with his Gambian counterpart, Ebrima Agibo Jallow, who is a teacher at Jamisa Upper Basic School and who will travel with him to the United States for the final completion of the book project.

He revealed that the book is expected to be completed in a year, adding that they would invite the international press to expose Gambian culture at the international market.