“En Syrie avec les Bedouins”

Today was one of those days when you receive a bottle you threw in the oceans of your memories ten years ago.

Back in 2004, I made a note about a rare book I have long wanted to read or get a hold of. It’s French Army Commandant Victor Muller’s “En Syrie avec les Bedouins: les Tribus du Desert” (Paris, 1931). It’s a complete account of nomadic life in Syria in the early 30s, with references to horse-breeding, strains, and histories of battles during which horses were acquired.

In my 2004 note, I was saying that only two copies of that book could be found for sale: one at a bookshop in Nice, France (which turned out to have closed); and another at L’Orientaliste bookshop in Cairo. I left it at that.

Yesterday, I found this note, and this morning I entered L’Orientaliste, and asked them where they still had it. They did. I bought it and sent it for binding, as it’s in pretty bad shape. I still can’t believe I bought it, and that I will be able to read it soon (and share it with you). What a treasure.

6 Replies to ““En Syrie avec les Bedouins””

    1. That’s all I could think of as I was looking at it. Dham al-Jarba, Hakem al-Mhayd, Nuri al-Shaalan, they’re all in there, their wars, their horses, their politics, their dealings with the French, etc.

  1. Hello Sir, I would love to read this book , I was looking for it every where.
    Can I got a pdf scanned copy or any suggestion I can be able to read it.

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