Arabians - Hardcover

Upton, Peter; Van Lent, Rik

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0811824144 ISBN 13: 9780811824149

Publisher: Chronicle Books, 1999

Synopsis

The majestic Arabian horse, with its refined beauty and spirit, has long held a special appeal for horse lovers throughout the world. Arabians is a lavishly illustrated celebration of the impressive history and splendor of this noble breed. The authoritative text explores the breed s ancient origins, its importance in the Islamic world, and the growing international interest in Arabians that began in the 17th century and continues today. At the heart of the book are more than 250 gorgeous color photographs that take the reader on a stunning visual journey around the world, touching down in the many countries and continents where this versatile breed has earned a loyal following among equestrians. In addition, it features a comprehensive list of Arabian horse organizations, registries, and societies; a glossary of Arabic terms; a thorough bibliography; and a foreword by H. H. Shiekh Zayed bin-Sultan al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates. Arabians is the definitive book on this revered breed.

About this title

Review

The oldest breed of horse in the world, the Arabian's beginnings are anything but humble. Born, according to ancient Arab tales, of the south wind, coming from Hoshabeh, now Yemen:

To create the Arab horse, God spoke to the south wind: "I will create from you a being which will be a happiness to the good and a misfortune to the bad. Happiness shall be on its forehead, bounty on its back and joy in the possessor."

When it comes to talking about Arabian horses, such passion is not unusual, and it's a passion that author Peter Upton and editor Hossein Amirsadeghi, along with photographers Rik van Lent, Sr. and Jr., lovingly share in Arabians: The Classic Arabian Horse. Both a stunning photographic journey--composed of more than 250 full-color photographs, arranged by geographical area--and a fascinating history lesson, Arabians begins with a thorough examination of the horse's origins, which date back to 1700 B.C. Such notable historical figures as the prophet Mohammed and the queen of Sheba were Arabian devotees. The breed's popularity spread outside of the Arab world beginning in the last half of the 17th century, peaking in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Other areas of discussion include the distinct features and characteristics of the breed (its exquisite head and high tail carriage as well as its "vigour, courage and great powers of endurance") and the numerous strains and substrains of the breed, which, when combined with a glossary of Arabic terms and a complete listing of Arabian horse organizations, registries, and societies, truly make Arabians the "definitive book on this revered breed." --Stefanie Hargreaves

About the Author

Rik van Lent, Jr. makes up one half of an internationally known father-and-son photography team. They have devoted the last 20 years to recording the Arabian horse throughout the world. They live in Belgium.

Peter Upton is a former president of the Arab Horse Society of Great Britain, an international judge of the breed, and a founding member of the Arabian Horse Historians Association. He makes his home in England.

Hossein Amirsadeghi was born in Iran. He is a writer, filmmaker, and equestrian. Today he lives in London.

About this edition

• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0811824144
• ISBN 13: 9780811824149
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256
• Editor: Amirsadeghi Hossein