Arabia Felix: The Danish Expedition of 1761-1767 (NYRB Classics)

Like fiction, non-fiction is a specific genre with its own set of criteria for judging excellence. Until now, I had viewed Sea Biscuit by Laura Hillenbrand as the best non-fiction book I had ever read. While Arabia Felix is, of course, a different book, in my mind it matches and in some ways exceeds Sea Biscuit in excellence. It tells an intriguing story in an exciting manner. It is thoughtfully written, well researched, and well balanced, providing the right amount of the most important detail and context necessary to get the story across. It moves right along, and I could not put it down.This is the story of the ill-fated six-member Danish Expedition to Yemen in 1761-1767, but ultimately it is the story of Carsten Niebuhr. Niebuhr, a German surveyor of lowly origin, condescendingly considered an inferior participant by the two renowned Herr-Doctor-Professors on the expedition, was the only member to survive the trip to Yemen. He constructed detailed and accurate maps of the region he traversed that remained the best available for a century. He became entirely fluent in Arabic, so that he could travel in the Middle East passing as a native. His diaries, eventually published in three large volumes, contained exhaustive observations on the localities he passed through and the cultures he interacted with. His transcriptions of cuneiform inscriptions at Persepolis (now in Iran) on his return journey from Yemen formed the basis for the later deciphering of this ancient Sumerian language.What stands out in Arabia Felix is the magnificent, lyrical prose of the author, Thorkild Hansen, which retains its brilliance in the fine English translation from Danish by James and Kathleen McFarlane. I highly recommend this book, which does not seem to be as prominent and well read as it ought to be. It is a masterpiece.

I'd never heard of this expedition, so was pleased to read about it in all its gritty detail. An interesting view of human foibles under stressful conditions, plus some interesting details about Yemen in those days.

The historical period that is commonly known under the name Enlightenment Age was dominated by ideas centered on reason as the primary source of authority and legitimacy. Such approach to the world resulted in new views on many very known things and well-established ideas that opened the road to the rapid development of modern science as well as new political ideas. The main motto of this special epoch could be expressed by the following Latin phrase ''Sapere aude'', which means "Dare to know" or ''Dare to be wise''. Many new political or social ideas that are originated from this historical epoch were definitely not very wise, what was explicitly shown by the madness of the French Revolution, which was conducted by the followers of these ideas, who unfortunately disconnected with the reality. Curiosity driven expeditions to the different lands were organized by different influential people in order to verify, commonly spread opinions and to extend general knowledge about the world around. One of such expeditions to the land called ''Arabia Felix'' was organized by the Danish king Frederik V, who enjoyed a company of beautiful women and wine as well as he enjoyed a good reputation as a patron of arts. This particular expedition to the Arabian Peninsula (1761 - 1767) had a purely scientific character and purely scientific goals were defined for its carefully selected members. It was full of dramatic events resulting in very high death rate of the expedition's participants and in the accumulation of the very versatile scientific materials that have changed the European perception of the Arabian Peninsula.The Danish journalist and traveler Thorkild Hansen (1927 - 1989) wrote a compelling book about this expedition, which he entitled ''Arabia Felix''.The story of an expedition of six different people can be regarded as a perfect study of human characters and weaknesses with an particular emphasis on people who devoted their lives for exploring ''caves of wisdom'' and thanks to this exploration extending human knowledge on the world that surrounds us. Author of this particular book analyzes in detail the motivation of each expedition members that was behind their participation in this very risky venture. Motivation these people had was really different for each of them what the main reason of conflicts that existed between them since the very beginning of their journey to the mysterious Arabia Felix. Despite the fact that Mr. Hansen has his own opinions about the expedition members he presents their characteristics in such a way that on the basis of the provided set of information the reader can have own unbiased opinion on the six main characters of this book. This is a very strong point of this work. Below I mention two members of this expedition, who were the most productive in terms of results that extended our knowledge and understanding of the world.Peter Forsskal - A naturalist and a student of a great scholar Carl von Linne, was a very gifted and scrupulous scientists, but also an owner of a very difficult character that one could call him ''big head''. His work had a very huge impact on our knowledge on plants and animals of the Middle Eastern region he visited, because in his detailed works he described many species of animals he encountered during his journey. As mentioned previously he had a difficult way of being and he was a extremely stubborn political idealist, who was talking loudly about the equality of all people, but he himself respected only persons with the same or higher scientific title as him.Carsten Niebuhr - The only survivor of this largely forgotten scientific expedition, who was the only real empiricist in the group, who was able to observe the world around and make proper conclusions from his observation, what allowed him to survive and eventually return to Copenhagen. He should be also praised for his contribution to the Assyriology as a scientific discipline, which was at his times still to be born due to his tremendous work and efforts he made with a great dedication while his stay among the ruins of the Palace of Persepolis and surroundings. Moreover it is worth mentioning that he copied the famous Behistun Inscription with very high veracity and accuracy, what later open a path for others decipher a cuneiform script.This book offers a detailed and very sincere description of the origin, organization and realization of the scientific project. All problems connected with it, like permanent questing for funding and many others are very lucidly presented on the pages of this work. Despite the fact that depicted expedition took place so many years ago the information about scientists, their problems and their world, presented in this book is still valid.

I found this book interesting and informative, an enjoyable book to sink into. An incredible journey to Yemen by amazing men. It totally changed my image of the country that was then called Arabia Felix. The beautiful illustrations added to the enjoyment..

I like the matter-of-fact chronology. It's rare, nowadays, to read a chronicle which is not packed with superlatives (rather like Donald Trump describing everything/everyone as either being 'great' or 'horrible') Hansen embodies that Nordic tradition of 'telling it like it is.' Refreshing. I too am a world traveler to out-of-the-way places (I go through a passport in 20 months), and somewhat can relate to the surprises/challenges of traveling off the beaten track. Yemen today is wracked by civil (uncivil) war, but the book shows how it, and parts of the Middle East, were before modernity tarnished it.

A fascinating view of a lost period. One of the expedition members might be known today as one of the eighteenth century's greatest naturalists had he not died on this expedition.

This is one of my all time favorite books.Thorkild Hansen was a genius in the way he compiled the information for his books and how he makes historical topics flow like a page turner novel.I highly recommend this book, and his other books, and I frequently buy these books as presents for people.The story has everything: intrigue, death, a hero.... it is a wonderful read.

This is a great book about an interesting and neglected (at least in English language writing) historical figure, Carsten Neighbor, and what was really the first serious European scientific expedition to the Arabian peninsula.

Probably one of the most entertaining and enlightening historical accounts I've read in a long time! Highly recommended!

Consapevole nel titolo di aver citato Omero e quindi un piu' che gigante, non nego un entusiasmo straordinario per Arabia Felix.Pubblicato nel 1962 e tradotto in italiano per Iperborea nel 1992 e ancora riedito nel 2017, ne ho goduto in effetti tutta la sua meraviglia.Di Thorkild Hansen e di "Det lykkelige Arabien" e segnatamente dello stile e contenuto metastorico ben si narra e commenta da parte di Ingrid Basso nella postfazione alla piu' recente pubblicazione.Quanto alla vicenda, e' quella di una spedizione di ricerca scientifica e a scopo culturale diretta in Yemen.Siamo a meta' del XVIII secolo e il patrocinio e' del sovrano danese Federico V, mecenate e desideroso di lasciare in tal modo un segno ai posteri.Non si tratta di un saggio ma neppure di un romanzo.La base sono i documenti, tra cui le lettere e i diari dei protagonisti e i successivi resoconti. L'Autore pero', in maniera non ingombrante, appare (e scompare) intervenendo senza farsi scrupolo con vere e proprie anticipazioni narrative, considerazioni e commenti personali, ironici o amari, che si discostano dai meri fatti. E appunto dalla storia e dalla Storia.Un terzo circa del libro (qui non sempre scorrevole) e' dedicato all'annosa preparazione della spedizione e alla presentazione dei tre principali componenti. Tutti coinvolti dal primo ministro del sovrano di Danimarca di cui due accreditati da eminenti studiosi e accademici europei (Michaellis e in modo piu' defilato Linneo).Ma ne restera' - in vita e nella narrazione - soltanto uno su tutti, Carsten Niebuhr.Egli oscurera' i due titolati Von Haven (danese) e Forsskål (svedese) che la fanno da padroni nella prima e seconda parte del volume.E infatti la parte centrale si incentra sui rapporti soprattutto tra i due membri piu' autorevoli, le loro rivalita' e tensioni, le alleanze e divergenze (che giungono sino alle minacce e volonta' di assassinio). Si racconta dei successi e dei fallimenti, scoperte e ricerche, calcoli e misurazioni non troppo sbagliati. E la diversa forma, per uno di impegno e dedizione, per l'altro di vigliaccheria e sollazzo, del calarsi o meno - e come - nell'oriente.La conclusione - e per cosi' dire terza parte - e' invece tutta per l'agronomo figlio di contadini della Frisia. Unico superstite ed elemento chiave per la spiegazione (questa proprio e davvero metastorica) dell'aggettivo Felix per l'Arabia di Moka e forse e soprattutto per un senso dell'esistenza.Da Copenaghen col mare del nord in tempesta costeggiando l'Islanda, poi raccogliendo nel Mediterraneo il poco marinaio Von Haven a Marsiglia, si arriva a Costantinopoli. Si fa scalo a Rodi, si sosta a lungo in Egitto a Il Cairo con parentesi in Sinai. Da qui ecco la vera discesa nel profondo di un mondo ancora non del tutto noto all'Europa dell'epoca. Si naviga il mar Rosso e si percorre a ritroso la via del caffe' sino allo Yemen. Poi - cambiati da tempo gli abiti e via, via gli animi di ciascuno sino ai propri meandri di interiorita' - le morti scongiurate, le tappe forzate in carovane, gli incontri coi predoni, le malattie (malaria o infreddature), le morti annunciate o improvvise e la sopravvivenza sino a Bombay. Ancora la morte e quindi il peregrinare senza sosta, con avidità di scoperta e in parte incognito, di Abdallah, alias temporaneo di Niebuhr. Dalla Persia (e Persepoli con slanci da improvvisato archeologo e con effetto indesiderato di nerofumo sugli occhi) in Mesopotamia, Siria, Gerusalemme, Anatolia all'est Europa con breve quarantena, sino ad un rientro non glorioso. In superficie. Ma catartico nel profondo.Molto della spedizione è perduto o ignorato, ma non per Niebuhr e in definitiva per il lettore. Tanto piu' se entrato in empatia, certo con i personaggi e soprattutto con quegli interventi intermittenti di Hansen, che da forma narrativa son divenuti, nel tempo della lettura, il cuore di Arabia Felix.Un po' come talvolta nella vita, anche superando pregiudizi, ambizioni ed egoismi, si puo' in effetti cosi' cogliere la felicita'. Nelle rinunce - anche all'incarico prestigioso di tracciare i confini di Norvegia - e nel semplice racconto, intimo e vividissimo, ai figli delle peripezie di un padre intraprendente, oramai cieco e ascoso per scelta in un angolo della provincia danese.Consigliato certamente agli amanti di oriente e piu' che mai dell'esser umano.

A great example..very pleased with the quality, despite being a used book.It was better than the picture, since the original dustcover was included!

Ottima letteratura, solidi riferimenti storici, personaggi da ricordare. L'esplorazione di una parte di mondo all'epoca poco nota, fatto con spirito illuminista: per conoscenza e non per scopi mercantili. Bellissimo!

Wonderful and amazing story brilliantly told. An incredible adventure with a very sad outcome. But what an adventure!