Freya Stark recounts her 1937-38 expedition into what is now Yemen, a journey which helped secure her reputation not only as a great travel writer, but also as a first-rate geographer, historian, and archaeologist. A Winter in Arabia offers rare glimpses of life behind the veil-the subtleties of business and social conduct, the elaborate beauty rituals of the women, and the bitter animosities between rival tribes. Ultimately, we are not only captivated by Stark's sensitive evocation of this wondrous land, but inspired by her passion.