Arabians

Arabians

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Editorial Reviews

Handsomely packaged in paperback with a new cover, Arabians is a lavishly illustrated celebration of the impressive history and splendor of this noble breed. Three hundred gorgeous color photographs and illustrations take the reader on a visual journey around the world, and an authoritative text explores the breed's ancient origins and its importance in the Islamic world. This definitive book -- a must-have for all equestrians -- includes a comprehensive list of Arabian horse organizations, registries, and societies; a glossary of Arabic terms; and a thorough bibliography.

The oldest breed of horse in the world, the Arabian's beginnings are anything but humble. Born, according to ancient Arab tales, of the south wind, coming from Hoshabeh, now Yemen:

To create the Arab horse, God spoke to the south wind: "I will create from you a being which will be a happiness to the good and a misfortune to the bad. Happiness shall be on its forehead, bounty on its back and joy in the possessor."
When it comes to talking about Arabian horses, such passion is not unusual, and it's a passion that author Peter Upton and editor Hossein Amirsadeghi, along with photographers Rik van Lent, Sr. and Jr., lovingly share in Arabians: The Classic Arabian Horse. Both a stunning photographic journey--composed of more than 250 full-color photographs, arranged by geographical area--and a fascinating history lesson, Arabians begins with a thorough examination of the horse's origins, which date back to 1700 B.C. Such notable historical figures as the prophet Mohammed and the queen of Sheba were Arabian devotees. The breed's popularity spread outside of the Arab world beginning in the last half of the 17th century, peaking in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Other areas of discussion include the distinct features and characteristics of the breed (its exquisite head and high tail carriage as well as its "vigour, courage and great powers of endurance") and the numerous strains and substrains of the breed, which, when combined with a glossary of Arabic terms and a complete listing of Arabian horse organizations, registries, and societies, truly make Arabians the "definitive book on this revered breed." --Stefanie Hargreaves

Customer Reviews

Buy this one, not The Arabian Horse, history, mystery and magic

Reviewed by Sally Mercer, 2010-02-09

I bought this book along with The Arabian Horse, History, Mystery and Magic. It is the exact same book. Different cover. Different publisher. Different name. But the exact same book. Buy this one, it is much cheaper. Sally Mercer

An extensive pictorial documentation and understanding of a distinctive equine of historic lineage

Reviewed by Midwest Book Review, 2006-05-03

Expertly edited by Hossein Amirsadeghi with enhanced with full color photographs from Rik van Lent Sr. and Rik van Lent Jr. and an informative text by Peter Upton, Arabians is an extensive pictorial documentation and understanding of a distinctive equine of historic lineage -- the Arabian Horse. Providing readers with an detailing of the breeds origin, use, recorded development, and the interesting historical significance of the prestigious and fascinating animal. Arabians is very highly recommended as illustrated compendium of detailed writings about a truly noble and enduringly popular animal.

Good Coffee table book

Reviewed by Anonymous, 2002-04-25

This book has entrancing photos, and skips through a large number of countries and studs. If you are looking for in depth information on Arabians in any particulary part of the world this book is not for you. It looks at selected studs only. If you want lovely pictures you wont be unhappy.

An Arabian odyssey!

Reviewed by N. Garrett, 2001-04-12

This book is a necessity for the library of any Arabian lover. The text and photographs take you around the world and through the passages of time. Fabulous photographs and wonderful attention to detail. What a worthwhile purchase!

FOR THE ARABIAN ENTHUSIEST

Reviewed by Alicia Shoesmith, 2000-11-07

This is a great title to add to your ever growing arabian horse book collection. It's excellent reading, as it contains everything that you need to know about this magnificant breed and is fully illustrated with beautiful graphics.