I hated Dubai until I learned about it

In 'Arabian Sands,' Wilfred Thesiger recounts his extraordinary travels across the Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert in the world. Educated at Eton and Oxford, Thesiger was disillusioned with Western life and sought adventure and solitude in the harsh yet beautiful desert environment. He traveled with nomadic Bedouin tribes, immersing himself in their culture and way of life, which was on the verge of significant change due to the arrival of oil companies. The book provides a unique insight into the traditional Bedu lifestyle, tribal warfare, and the ancient history of the region, as well as Thesiger's personal reflections on the impact of modernization on these communities.

In this historical adventure, Owen Hollowell, at just 15, becomes the man of the house after his father's death from tuberculosis. When a rustler steals their two prized mules, Owen and his younger brother Till set out across the San Juan Mountains to retrieve them. Along the way, they encounter corrupt lawmen, greedy mining corporations, workers advocating for better work conditions, and the famous outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The story is vividly set in the Four Corners region, incorporating true events and real people, and offers a thrilling tale of resilience and adventure.