The Marsh Arabs (Penguin Classics)

I am studying the state. James C Scott has written several books discussing the state v. stateless peoples, deep in time and on the edges of modern states in our own time. One stateless people are (were) the Marsh Arabs, the book itself a charming odyssey among the marshes, lakes, peoples (tribes) of the Tigris - Euphrates delta. At another level, the book touches on the convergence between history and anthropology which is so useful today. (Not the author's intent; he's more of a wanderer or explorer. He writes beautifully.) Cheers.

An excellent read; the writing style is both descriptive and engaging, and the story itself fascinating. The book includes over a hundred photographic plates which augment the story tremendously, especially for the amazing reed mudhifs which are frequently the setting. (The photos and more can be found in the Pitt Rivers Museum collection). I have not yet read Arabian Sands but reviews of that earlier work complained about Thesiger's primitivism and romanticization of the Bedouin - I didn't see much of that in this book, only shades, and overall the telling is fairly forthright and balanced. Clearly Thesiger is no fan of modernization, but relative to the conditions in more urban Iraq at the time, there are no clear "rights" or "wrongs" on this position. In any event, it doesn't get in the way of the narrative, which captures a disappearing culture in rich depth and perspective.

Great book-not as good as other one, but still worth reading.

Fantastically readable and intriguing book about the marshlands of Iraq and the Arabs who inhabited them, living in an aquatic manner (and operating a water-based economy) quite unlike the arid lands/desert lifestyle usually associated with Middle East Arabs. Unfortunately, Saddam Hussein drained most of these marshes because he knew the inhabitants would not bend to the ways of modern Iraq unless their water was taken away. Thankfully, we have the remarkable Wilfrid Thesiger to tell us about those days. Interesting companion reading (and more customary of what we think of as "Arabia"): ARABIAN SANDS, also by Wilfrid Thesiger. Arabian Sands (Penguin Classics) .

Wilfred simply writes down what he saw heard or did. No judgements, no opinion just the facts. A must read.

I am re-reading this with great pleasure, after many years. Thesiger paints a vivid and wonderous picture of the Southern Marshes of Iraq fell it all apart under Hussein, the draining of the marshes, war with Iran, and the effects of the Gulf War..

Not up to Arabian sands standards

What a delightful read. Thesiger lived among the marsh Madan of Iraq several months of each year between 1951 to 1958. As he traveled thru the marshes by boat, he introduces the reader to the many friends he made and to the culture of a people he came to love. Since the marshes were drained to make way for "progress" and prosperity, this forgotten world is no more.

I thoroughly enjoyed the simple, detailed and vivid accounts of the author's true experiences. An opening on to another world and humanity.

Love Wilfred Thesiger's writing style! It transported me into a different time and culture. Almost as good as Arabian Sands.

Thesiger was the last of the Victorian-era explorers, living amongst tribal peoples and sharing their hard, hard lives. It is an extraordinary experience to lounge in an armchair and read of the feuds and murders in the Marshes which have been going on there since the foundation of the City of Ur. You can take delight in the elegant shapes of the boats the despised Sabaean unbelievers make for the Muslims who formed the major population. The amazing architecture of the mudifs built of reeds with simple arches of the ubiquitous tall reeds stretches the eyes with their beauty. All against a backdrop of the heat, the flies, the hunger, and the blood-lusts of the dwellers in these unique marshes down at the delta of the twin rivers - the Tigris and the Euphrates - the Mesopotamia of the the beginnings of civilization.

Excellent noval work. Rich of knowledge, understanding, and analysis of life and culture in marshes area southofIraq. Worth reading.

So hope I find the hardcover. I love reading anything about/by Wilfred Thesiger. He conveys his respect and admiration for the people he lives amongst.