One of the most precious possessions of each Iranian household is the family photo album. A collection of memories on paper, protected by plastic or cardboard sheets and bound together by a richly illustrated cover, often showing scenes of snowcapped mountains and green valley’s; a promise of hope and prosperity.The content of most albums are similar, an endless …
From the Holy Mountain: A Journey among the Christians of the Middle East
In 587 a.d., two monks set off on an extraordinary journey that would take them in an arc across the entire Byzantine world, from the shores of the Bosphorus to the sand dunes of Egypt. On the way John Moschos and his pupil Sophronius the Sophist stayed in caves, monasteries, and remote hermitages, collecting the wisdom of the …
In January 2002 Rory Stewart walked across Afghanistan-surviving by his wits, his knowledge of Persian dialects and Muslim customs, and the kindness of strangers. By day he passed through mountains covered in nine feet of snow, hamlets burned and emptied by the Taliban, and communities thriving amid the remains of medieval civilizations. By night he slept on villagers’ …
Born to transcend the social constraints of Victorian England, Gertrude Bell left the comforts of her privileged life for the unconventional — but thrilling — world of the Middle East. One of the first women to graduate from Oxford, she traveled to Persia and became passionately drawn to the Arab people, the language, and their architecture. A skilled …
Passionate Nomad: The Life of Freya Stark (Modern Library Paperbacks)
Freya Stark—traveler, explorer, Arabist, and woman of letters—began the extraordinary adventures that would glamorize her—and would catapult her into public life for the next sixty years—in 1927. And with the publication of The Valley of the Assassins in 1934, her legend was launched.Leaving behind a miserable family life, Freya set out, at the age of thirty-four, to explore …
Gon Ben Ari’s story “Clear Recent History” has been named a finalist for the Private Eye Writers of America Shamus Award for Best P.I. Short Story!”This consistently strong collection showcases a group of Israeli writers who are not well known in the U.S. Definitely one of the highlights in the long-running Akashic series.”–Booklist, Starred review”May be the very …
Iran: Persia: Ancient and Modern (Fourth Edition) (Odyssey Illustrated Guides)
“A stunning guide, packed with history, that no visitor to Iran should be without.”―Christina Lamb, foreign affairs correspondent, Sunday Times [London] Iran, or Persia as it was formerly known, has been a melting pot of civilizations for centuries. The Islamic revolution in 1979 and the subsequent Iran–Iraq war reduced tourism to a trickle, but in the last decade …
Lonely Planet Hebrew Phrasebook & Dictionary (Lonely Planet Phrasebooks)
Lonely Planet: The world’s leading travel guide publisherAnyone can speak another language! It’s all about confidence.Israelis love to chat, so don’t be surprised – or caught out – if a total stranger starts up a heated discussion while you wait at a bus stop or felafel stand. An ancient language, Hebrew is the lingua franca of this most …
Lonely Planet: The world’s leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet Cyprus is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Hike in the beautiful Troodos Mountains, enjoy delicious mezze at a chic cafe in Kyrenia harbour, or explore fascinating Roman ruins in Pafos; all with your …
Lonely Planet: The world’s leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet Pocket Dubai is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Explore culture and architecture in the historic district, shop at the world’s largest mall, or explore the chaos and charm of the Gold Souq; all …