Customer Reviews
A joy!! - By: Patrick Joseph Kerr, 14 Apr 2008 
This is without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read. Not justin terms of the fact that its very well written. It is funny, I had to put it downin the metro as people were starring at me as I was laughing so much, it's informative & it really does carry you along on the authors journey.
It has rekindled a desire to explore the arabic world described at the start of IBs journey as well.
A brilliant book, buy it!!
Great book, but ... - By: , 21 Apr 2003 
This is indeed a wonderful book, as others have written. However, I think it weakens towards the end, when the author leaves the Arabic-speaking world & travels to Turkey & the Crimea. Here Tim Mackintosh-Smith, as he himself admits, is on less familiar cultural & linguistic grounds. As a result there are fewer of the conversations, arguments & jokes with local people that give the 'Arabic' section of his travels such a feeling of immediacy & intimacy. I look forward to future travels with a Tangerine, but I also hope that Mackintosh-Smith will give us more about Arabs & their world.
BUY IT!!! - By: , 05 Aug 2002 An excellent & timely exploration of Islamic culture, heritage & humanity. This is a beautifully written book whose learning & erudition is lightly worn. I found its humorous & loving accounts of people, places & history very reminiscent of Patrick Leigh-Fermor's 'A Time of Gifts' & 'Between the Woods & the Water' - it shared that same wistfulness & yet is an exploration of a vibrant modern world embeddedin a deep historical & religious context. A marvellous antidote to all those over-earnest journalistic pieces on Islamic fundamentalism.
Recommended. Delightful and enlightening. - By: Milady, 09 Jul 2002 A fantastic read, although I have to admit I didn't understand all the vocabulary. It brings the colourful, wide & pluralistic world of medieval Islam to life, replete with amazing characters. I enjoyed it so much that when I finished I went straight back to the beginning. Absolutely wonderful as an introduction to many historical characters (like al-Ma'arri), so I am using it as a starting point to learn more. It beautifully belies the traditional view we have of the medival Islamic arts & culture having been so straight-laced & peopled with paragons.I only wish he would carry on & go all the way to China!
Beautiful travel writing from a master of wry & sympathetic observation. I also heartily recommend 'Travelsin Dictionary Land'.
Riveting, scholarly and hugely entertaining - By: nicollz@onetel.net.uk, 04 Mar 2002 This was a pleasure to read, from cover to cover. Tim Mackintosh-Smith packs every page with scholarly analysis, pithy observations on human nature & a clear sense of deep enjoyment of his journey (evenin adversity). His Sana'a home must contain an extraordinary library; the entire book is peppered with insights from across the centuries. Perhaps the most vivid memory - TM-S sighing with contentment as he relaxes to await his next transport with all the true\desert-dweller needs for a happy life: shade, tobacco & cool water. A sage indeed. I can't recommend this too highly.
