Arabian Jubilee

Biography & Memoir

Arabian Jubilee, the 1952 illustrated chronicle by explorer H St John Philby, invites readers into the heart of pre-oil Arabia through the eyes of one of the first Europeans to cross the Rub‘ al-Khali. This hardcover memoir blends travelogue, autobiography and political reportage, making it a key title for collectors of Middle-Eastern true stories.

Pen-and-ink sketches scattered through the text bring desert camps, souks and royal audiences to life, amplifying Philby’s vivid prose. Originally aimed at young adults and adults curious about Arabian culture, the book still reads as an accessible gateway to 1930s desert life.

This ex-library copy is intact and readable; expect worn boards, stamped edges, and a few pages with light stains or water marks. A previous owner has pasted newspaper clippings inside the front cover, adding a layer of historical ephemera for researchers.

Despite its cosmetic wear, the narrative remains complete, offering an affordable entry point into mid-century Arabian travel literature.