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The Southern Gates of Arabia: A Journey in the Hadhramaut by Freya Stark (John Murray, London, First Edition 1936).
Freya Stark (1893–1993) was one of the most celebrated British explorers and travel writers of the 20th century. This book is one of her classics, documenting her adventurous 1935 journey through the remote Hadhramaut region in what is now Yemen — an area rarely visited by Westerners at the time. It’s known for its vivid writing, cultural observations, and photographs.
Edition: True First Edition, 1936.
Binding: Green cloth with gilt lettering on the spine (typical John Murray style).
Signed copy: Personal inscription on the front endpaper: “au Cte. Chandon de Briailles / Freya Stark / 2.9.1937”.
Features: Includes the large folding map (in the pocket or bound in) and numerous black & white plates/photographs of the region, people, and architecture (Shibam, palm trees, local governors, etc.)
Solid, attractive copy with normal shelf wear for an 88-year-old book. The cloth is still bright, and the interior (including the map and plates) is complete. Minor aging/foxing.
