Dimensions
128 x 197 x 21mm
Viewed from a 747 flying at 33,000 feet, the Arabian Peninsula looks a uniformly sandy waste. It is, however, more than merely desert, as the new edition of Lonely Planet's guide to the Arabian Peninsula points out.
Fragrant forests, rich coral reefs, date-filled wadis and stunning mountain landscapes vie for the traveller's time and attention.
History has also left its remnants on the ancient landscape, including an 8th century BC dam in Yemen and Madain Saleh: the Nabataean Petra-like rock hewn ruins of Saudi Arabia.
In countries rich with oil, modern feats of engineering also demand investigation - if the traveller isn't too preoccupied with golfing, diving, desert safaris or turtle watching.
How and where to see and experience all these places and activities are handled in the country-by-country chapters which follow the usual introductory overviews, suggested itineraries and "Getting Started" information.
As the editors of Arabian Peninsula warn in the opening pages, travellers to Arabia may well find themselves becoming passionate about this mind-broadening destination - "many travellers do".
Anyone wondering why should browse through this guide book. The answers are all there to be discovered - just like Arabia itself.
