Arabian Sands (Penguin Classics)

A glimpse of a culture and hardships beautifully described and looking back from the modern world it’s hard to imagine it’s not even 100years ago.

A superbly written work detailing Thesiger’s travels and experiences in an Arabia which was just about to be changed forever by the oil industry. Thesiger was clearly an incredible man and in this book he vividly recounts his experiences of the harsh and unforgiving conditions which made both his journeys across the Empty Quarter such an incredible feat of human endeavour. Assisted and sometimes hindered by remarkable companions, his journeys across Arabia are brought to life on every page. This truly wonderful book has amazing characters and although it is written in a matter of fact style, the authors evident love and enthusiasm for the landscapes, socio-political intricacies and, most importantly, the magnificent people he met in this amazing part of the world ensures it never becomes tedious.

Travels from another age, but yet strangely timeless, as the author talks about his opinions, sand, politics, the people he meets and tribal behaviors in the world's most apparently inhospitable places. He really captures the essence of life in the desert as he recounts various trips and undertakings through lands which are still relatively unknown to this day. Absolutely fascinating and an engrossing read.

This book gave me a tremendous insight in Beduin life, seen with here with the eyes of Bedu themselves but well for westeners. I loved the philosophical passages (there are many), the precision of the descriptions, the insight into people's lifes and hardship. It gives a deep understanding on the area's culture and explains (parts of) the roots of Arab history.

Beautiful book, thank you

Beautifully written

to replace a book I'd lost

Wonderfully evokes life and landscape in the "Empty Quarter" (ie empty of Europeans) of the Arabian peninsula at the dawn of the era of oil exploration. The Kindle edition is lousy with typos however, which for me spoiled the flow of reading, as I noticed them all the time. This is completely unacceptable in a paper edition, so why should we accept it in an electronic edition, especially one which is not cheap?

it is very good.

Incredible book about one of the most interesting men to ever live

uno splendido libro, scritto egregiamente e in maniera forse involontariamente accattivante che non attende che di essere tradotto in Italiano.

I like that the book was written by the author when he was a bit older. He was able to retain his romantic view, but the a more wisened perspective. There were really interesting cultural tidbits.

Detailed descriptions of the Bedouin culture, but it's not a page turning novel. Definitely a great read before visiting the UAE.