ingrams rosalind ed (1 resultados)

Scarce first edition of this illustrated travel book on Saudi Arabia - a treasure trove of information on the kingdom's history, art, culture, and landscape in the mid-1970s. Shirley Kay (b.1933), trained in Middle Eastern studies and archaeology, lived on the Arabian Peninsula between 1965 and 1990, where she worked for the recently established Arab News, and wrote books and articles on the art, culture, and environment of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Some of Kay's articles were edited by Rosalind Ingrams and republished as Travels in Saudi Arabia, in the hope that "Kay's travels and researches will be of use and inspiration to others living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia" (p. 3). It became recommended reading for foreign American and British workers in the Gulf. The book begins in the Jeddah region, with visits to the city itself, Wadi Fatima, Wadi Khulais, Jar, and Yanbu. The section on her voyage to Medain Salih includes chapters on the Hejaz railway, al-'Ula and al-Atheyb, and the ancient dams of Khaibar. The third section, on Taif, discusses the rock carvings near Taif, the ancient gold and copper mines, volcanoes, and stone circles in the desert. The following sections are devoted to Najran, and its agriculture, watchtowers, and architecture; the Riyadh area, with chapters on Diriyah, Masmak Fort, the museum and suq, and the oasis of al-Kharj; and the Najd region, with descriptions of Buraydah, Unayzah, Jabal Shammar, and the oases of Qatif and Hasa. Octavo. With 20 half-tone photographic illustrations, 5 plates with maps, and 6 diagrams. Original printed orange wrappers. Front cover minimally soiled below title, contents fresh and clean: a fine copy.