Arabia Felix: Across the Empty Quarter of Arabia

by Bertram Thomas

This vintage book is Bertram Thomas's 1932 travelogue, "Arabia Felix". It is a factual account of his epic voyage across the vast southern desert of the Arabian Peninsula from 1930-3. A fascinating page-turner that chronicles a stunning achievement likely never to be attempted again, "Arabia Felix" would make for a worthy addition to any collection, and constitutes a must-read for lovers of exciting non-fiction. Contents "A Propitious Start and an Early Check", "At Anarchy, Treachery, and Hospitality", "Skull-Measuring and Devil-Dancing", "In the Qara 'Ain ar Rizat", "In the Qara Mountains, Ancient Survivals and the Blood Sacrifice", "The Qara Mountains. Hyenas, Faith Cures and Circumcision", etc. Bertram Sidney Thomas (1892-1950) was an English Arabist and the first person from the West to cross the Rub' al Khali. We are republishing this classic volume in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.

Genres: Middle East, Travel, History, Adventure, Nonfiction

442 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 2006

Reviews

[Christopher Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible. Bertram Thomas crosses the empty quarter of Arabia in the 1930's with a group of Bedouin, and records his experiences. First class adventure reading!

[Kathryn Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Very well written and Thomas' descriptions brings the people, places, sounds, conversations and sights very much alive and it is as if you arer there, travelling with him. Having lived in Qatar, it was such a delight to be transported back in time to places and travels I also had heard stories about. Such a privilaege for Thomas to have lived during this time and to have crossed the Rub Al Khali. A book I shall for sure re-read again in the future

[داليا روئيل]

(واصعدني من جب الهلاك من طين الحماة واقام على صخرة رجلي .ثبت خطواتي )
هكذا كتب برترام توماس في مقدمة الاهداء
طوال فترة قرائتي للكتاب و لاانفك اتخيل الشهور الموحشة و الغريبة التي امضاها هذا الرحالة في تلك الدروب اللامتناهية و المخيفة
ساعده في ذلك كونه وزير في حكومة مسقط
اعجبتني ملاحظاته و قدرته على التوالم مع المجتمع المحلي الذي لايحكمه قانون

استغربت ختان الاناث و اعجبني قصص ابوزيد من بني هلال
كتاب مهم جدا وممتع

[Jpvd · Rating 4 out of 5]

"...likely never to be attempted again..."
http://www.crossingtheemptyquarter.com

[Mohammad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating account of an incredible adventure among some interesting cultures. Excellent read for anyone interested in the history and cultures of the tribes that roamed the Empty Quarter.

[Zechy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to long ago to really remember it now, but I really liked it and learned a lot.

[Ahmed Almawali]

من أجمل ما قرأت في أدب الرحلات بل من أجمل ما قرأت خلال هذا الموسم ربيع2011

[Rawaa Kh]

I translated it into Arabic for the Obeikan Bookshop, KSA