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

The late Wilfred Thesiger was perhaps the last of the great British explorers. He spent his entire life travelling in the most remote areas of the world. This book covers the five years he spent in Arabia including crossing the Empty Quarter twice! He lived and travelled with the Bedu and shared their way of life and hardships. It is without doubt a book that gives a great insite into the Bedu's incredibly hard and exacting way of life and their code of honor. Those who like deserts this is the book for them.

to replace a book I'd lost

Beautifully written

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.