A Journey Through Yemen

Freya Stark, the renowned explorer, recounts her expedition to find a lost Arabian city in this "treasure of rare distinction among travel books" (The New York Times Book Review). As a Twentieth Century heroine, Stark chronicled her extraordinary Travels in the Near East, establishing herself as one of the most unconventional and courageous explorers of her time. A Winter in Arabia recounts her 1937–8 expedition in what is now Yemen, a journey which helped secure her reputation not only as a great travel writer, but also as a first-rate geographer, historian, and archaeologist.

In the land whose "nakedness is clothed in shreds of departed splendor," Stark and two companions spent a winter in search of an ancient South Arabian city. Offering rare glimpses of life behind the veil, Stark conveys the "perpetual charm of Arabia . . . that the traveler finds his own level there simply as a human being." She chronicles the subtleties of business and social conduct, the elaborate beauty rituals of the women, and the bitter animosities between rival tribes.

Stark's expedition to the Near East was a testament to her unconventional and courageous spirit. Through her Travels, she established herself as a Twentieth Century heroine, captivating readers with her vivid descriptions and insights into the region. A Winter in Arabia, in particular, cemented her reputation as a remarkable travel writer, geographer, historian, and archaeologist.

The expedition to the lost Arabian city was a journey of discovery, both for Stark and for the readers of her work. In the "land whose nakedness is clothed in shreds of departed splendor," Stark and her companions immersed themselves in the culture and customs of the region, offering readers a rare glimpse into a world largely hidden from outsiders.

Stark's writing is imbued with a "perpetual charm of Arabia," allowing the reader to experience the land through her eyes. Her observations and insights into the subtleties of business and social conduct, the elaborate beauty rituals of the women, and the bitter animosities between rival tribes are a testament to her keen eye for detail and her ability to connect with the people she encounters.

The New York Times Book Review hailed A Winter in Arabia as a "treasure of rare distinction among travel books," recognizing the importance of Stark's work in preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region. Her expedition and the resulting narrative have left an indelible mark on the field of travel writing, cementing her legacy as a Twentieth Century heroine.

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