Arabians [Hardcover]

Peter Upton (Author), Rik van Lent (Author, Photographer), Hossein Amirsadeghi (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1999

The majestic Arabian horse, with its refined beauty and spirit, has long held a special appeal for horse lovers throughout the world. Arabians is a lavishly illustrated celebration of the impressive history and splendor of this noble breed. The authoritative text explores the breed s ancient origins, its importance in the Islamic world, and the growing international interest in Arabians that began in the 17th century and continues today. At the heart of the book are more than 250 gorgeous color photographs that take the reader on a stunning visual journey around the world, touching down in the many countries and continents where this versatile breed has earned a loyal following among equestrians. In addition, it features a comprehensive list of Arabian horse organizations, registries, and societies; a glossary of Arabic terms; a thorough bibliography; and a foreword by H. H. Shiekh Zayed bin-Sultan al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates. Arabians is the definitive book on this revered breed.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

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

Review

celebrates the world's oldest breed of horses. Edited by Hossein Amirsadeghi and introduced by the president of the United Arab Emirates, H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin-Sultan al-Nahyan, the book lavishly incorporates paintings and drawings, as well as numerous photographs by Rik van Lent Sr. and Jr. The clear, if rather dry, text and captions by Peter Upton and Amirsadeghi detail the horse's origins, characteristics and history. Horse lovers will dote on the impressive, handsome volume. Color photographs.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811824144
• ISBN-13: 978-0811824149
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 10.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,589,517 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Informative with gorgeous photography., November 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Arabians (Hardcover)

In my opinion, this book is the best book that has been written on the Arabian horse to date. The author takes you to the source of those that created the Arabian breed. Along the journey, the author gives a thorough review of the Arabian horse. He starts with the history of the desert breed Arabian and explains how the Arabian was imported to different parts of the world. The lineage of some of the most important Arabian horses to influence the breed is discussed and often traces those Arabians back to the desert tribe from where they originated. The author examins the Arabian based on what the desert tribes value as important to the success of the breed in the harsh desert environment. Then the author takes you on a trip around the world to explore the different types of Arabian horses. He travels from tribe to tribe, and country to country, showing off some of the world's best equines. The photography is superb and captures the essence of the Arabian. This is one book that should be in every Arabian horse lover's library.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Arabian Owner, December 31, 1999

By 

Barbara Moran (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Arabians (Hardcover)

I own two Arabian horses and have many books but this is by far the best I have ever seen. It is rich in history of this noble breed and shows the breed not only as a show horse but in it's natural untouched state as well. If you love horses and in particular Arabians, this is a book you must have.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars definitely a great book, May 23, 2000

By 

Nicolas de Visscher - See all my reviews

This review is from: Arabians (Hardcover)

If there's one book you must have about arabians, it is the one. All you need to know is in it. complete history, wonderful pictures and illustrations. You are really immersed in arabians roots...