Arabia Felix, the Danish expedition of 1761-1767 / Thorkild Hansen ; translated by James and Kathleen McFarlane.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 371-372) and index.

Thorkild Hansen's book about the ill-fated expedition of 1761 to 1767 is a fantastic read -- well-researched, beautifully written (even in translation from the Danish), and completely absorbing. Some beautiful reproductions of maps and drawings made by young Carsten Niebuhr, the main character, are included. In 1761 the King of Denmark sent 6 young Danes with various scientific backgrounds off to "discover" "Arabia Felix," or Happy Arabia, id est today's Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The trip was NOT happy. Beset by various illnesses, particularly malaria, and some most unfriendly natives, the journey proved far more arduous than any of the six had imagined. However, with a rare sense of duty, Niebuhr forged ahead and wrote extremely detailed accounts of his travels, which form the basis for this work. Hansen had participated on PV Glob's famed expedition post WWII to Yemen, and his familiarity with the region is a real asset to the story. However, his account may be a bit biased -- he ADORES Niebuhr and DESPISES von Haven, the prickly leader of the expedition, much to the dismay of von Haven's descendants. However, a clear hero and villain make for an extremely entertaining account.