The Son of a Duck Is a Floater: An Illustrated Book of Arab Proverbs [Hardcover]

Primrose Arnander (Author), Ashkain SKIPWITH (Author), Kathryn LAMB (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2, 1985

"To understand a people, acquaint yourself with their proverbs" runs an Arab adage, and here are the books that do just that. The popular Apricots Tomorrow, a selection of sayings from the Gulf region, is joined by sister titles The Son of a Duck is a Floater and the newest book in the series, Unload your own Donkey, which draws on sayings from the Maghreb and Levant. Paralleling age-old Arabic sayings with English equivalents, the proverbs highlight the uncanny similarity of inherited wisdom in both East and West.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Arabic

About the Author

Kathryn Lamb - Kathryn Lamb has drawn cartoons for the The Times, Telegraph, The Oldie, Guardian and Spectator. She has had several exhibitions and two books of sheep cartoons published. Her cartoons are sold in the Cartoon Gallery, London. Pavilions in the Air is her latest collaboration with Christopher Arnander, following the success of You Can t Get Blood out of a Turnip.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 90 pages
• Publisher: Stacey Intl; 3 edition (December 2, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0905743415
• ISBN-13: 978-0905743417
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #932,332 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Coffee Table Book--for the Middle East, March 6, 2005

By 

Micah Lawrence Key - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Son of a Duck Is a Floater: An Illustrated Book of Arab Proverbs (Hardcover)

I live in the Middle East, and have found this book very entertaining and useful. Entertaining, because whenever my Arab neighbors come over, they really get a kick out of the clever proverbs and witty sayings. It's always a great book for a conversation starter or sustainer.

It's also useful because it gives great Arabic language and cultural instruction. You can really get to know the heart and soul of a people through their proverbs, and this book helps you understand the Arab people better by teaching you some of their numerous sayings of wisdom.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A very humorous and educational Arabic language resource, May 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Son of a Duck Is a Floater: An Illustrated Book of Arab Proverbs (Hardcover)

The proverbs in the book range from common, to downright hilarious. They are printed in Arabic with english translations. A fantastic resource for students of Arabic at all levels.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Amusing, July 28, 2000

By 

Hank Jones (Egypt) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Son of a Duck Is a Floater: An Illustrated Book of Arab Proverbs (Hardcover)

A brilliant little book that not only made me laugh but taught me some Arabic language and a little more about the way people think - an excellent gift!