In 1979 Asher read a book 'Arabian Sands' by Thesiger which had an impact on him and turned him into a desert explorer. He later said he had Thesiger to thank for the most valuable experience of his life. His wonder, admiration and Thesiger's influence over him led Asher to write this book.
Thesiger was different from other travellers/explorers in that he tried to share the lives and hardships of the natives. His aim was not be a spectator but to become one of them. Thesiger had rare quality among explorers - he ventured alone and found companionship with savage tribes of Africa and he tried to see the world through the eyes of these peoples. Born in Abyssinia in 1910, he grew up in imperial court.
