Author(s): Alan Keohane

Literature

The deserts of the Middle East cover an area almost as large as Western Europe and include some of the most inhospitable places on Earth. But the customs of the Bedu, who have for centuries herded their livestock back and forth across this wilderness, developed in response to these grim conditions. Today, however, their nomadic culture is under threat with the encroachment of industrialisation and mineral exploitation onto their unfettered lands, and new generations are seeking employment rather than living off herds. "Bedouin" is a unique and beautiful portrait of the Arab nomad's life, rich in colour and culture. It depicts everything from their everyday chores of cooking and collecting water to the more exotic tasks of weaving, moving camp and celebrating feasts.