Arabia Through the Looking Glass by Jonathan Raban

“Arabia Through the Looking Glass” is a travelogue by Jonathan Raban, first published in 1979. The book chronicles Raban’s journey through the Arabian Peninsula in the late 1970s, as he seeks to understand the region’s culture, history, and people.

Raban is a British writer and journalist who spent several months traveling through Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and other countries in the region. He describes his experiences with vivid detail and insight, offering a nuanced and complex view of the Middle East that challenges stereotypes and assumptions.

Throughout the book, Raban explores the tension between tradition and modernity in the region. He encounters people from all walks of life, from conservative Bedouins to wealthy oil executives, and he shows how their perspectives on religion, politics, and culture are shaped by their experiences.

Raban also reflects on his own experiences as a Westerner traveling through the Middle East. He grapples with his own biases and preconceptions, and he examines the role that Western powers have played in shaping the region’s history and politics.

“Arabia Through the Looking Glass” is a thoughtful and engaging travelogue that offers a unique perspective on the Middle East. Raban’s writing is both lyrical and informative, and his book remains a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of this fascinating region.