To prepare for our 650-kilometer hike of the Jordan Trail I read not only about the trail itself, but a lot about Jordan too. What a great selection in books about Jordan is available – I couldn’t read them all.
One day, I will be return to Jordan and read – and learn – more. For now this is a selection of the books I like to recommend for a trip to Jordan.
Books about our Favorite Travel Destinations
1. Non-Fiction Books about Jordan
The Story of the Scrolls: The miraculous discovery and true significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls, by Geza Vermes
Geza Vermes is the world’s leading Dead Sea Scrolls scholar, who translated the scrolls into English. In this book he relates the controversial story of their discovery and publication, revealing cover-ups, blunders and academic in-fighting, but also the passion and dedication of many of those involved.
Petra: The History of the Rose City, One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, by Charles River Editors
This book looks at the history of Petra from prehistoric times to the end of the Crusades, as well as the city’s ‘rediscovery’ in the 19th century and how it has entered the world’s imagination since then.
2. Fiction
The Source, by James Michener
While focused on the origin and history of Israel, the territory of what now is Jordan is part of this history, e.g. through its shared biblical history. One of my favorite historical sagas by Michener.
The Haj, by Leon Uris
Centers around Palestina, this story splendidly narrates the tale of the Middle East, of competing rulers often held back by ancient tradition.
3. Memoirs
Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life, by Queen Noor
One of the first books about Japan I read, and I loved it. It details Alex’ 30 years of living in Japan and the changes the country has gone through, giving the reading a good general idea of the country.
Seven Pillars of Wisdom, by T.E. Lawrence
Probably better known through the film Lawrence of Arabia, this biography details Lawrence’s experiences during the Arab Revolt of 1916–18, when he was based in Wadi Rum as a member of the British Forces of North Africa. With the support of Emir Faisal and his tribesmen, he helped organize and carry out attacks on the Ottoman forces.
Arabian Sands, by Wilfred Thesiger
A British explorer and travel writer, Thesiger was born in Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) and educated in England. In the spirit of T.E. Lawrence, Thesiger spent five years exploring and wandering the deserts of Arabia.
The Desert and the Sown; Travels in Palestine and Syria, by Gertrude Bell
Early 20th century, the British writer, archaeologist, and political analyst traveled to Persia and felt drawn to the Arabian world. This book traces Bell’s 1905 sojourn through Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. It’s an inspiring portrait of a woman who overcame the barriers of her generation, as well as a piece of history that offers insight into current events in the Middle East.
The Land Beyond: Thousand Miles on food through the Middle East, by Leon McCannon
From Jerusalem, the Northern Irish writer and film-maker followed a series of hiking trails, among which through Jordan, that trace ancient trading and pilgrimage routes and traverse some of the most contested landscapes in the world.
Travels in Syria and the Holy Land, by J.L. Burckhardt
John Lewis Burckhardt (1784-1817) was an explorer of the Middle East who traveled widely in disguise as a Muslim. This work gives a view of Arabian life and manners and includes his account of his ‘rediscovery’ of the ancient city of Petra.
Other boocks by Burckhardt:
4. Jordan Guidebooks & Phrasebooks
Travel Guides for Jordan
(click on the images to look inside)
Products from Amazon
For Dutch readers: De Dominicus reeks heeft een paar prachtige reisgidsen, waaronder Jordanië.
5. Wishlist
Unable to buy for my Kindle and unable to buy as second-hand paperbacks on Amazon (international shipping doesn’t work?), I hope to find these books in Jordan (or somewhere else).
Our Last Best Chance: A Story of War and Peace, by King Abdullah II of Jordan (non-fiction)
Pillars of Salt, by Fadia Faqir (novel)
Married to a Bedouin, by Marguerite van Geldermalsen (memoir)
Geza Vermes is the world’s leading Dead Sea Scrolls scholar, who translated the scrolls into English. In this book he relates the controversial story of their discovery and publication, revealing cover-ups, blunders and academic in-fighting, but also the passion and dedication of many of those involved.
City of Salt, by Abdulrahman Munif
Part of a trilogy, the other two books are:
Tips, Suggestions, Feedback?
Interested in more books about long-distance hiking? Check out this list.
Which leaves me the question:
What book (or movie) on Jordan do you think we should add to our list? Please share in the comment section below. Thanks!
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Very valuable information, it is not at all blogs that we find this, congratulations I was looking for something like that and found it here.
“Arabian Sands”, by Wilfred Thesiger is a wonderful book. He also wrote “Marsh Arabs” about the people who lived in reed houses in the marshes of Iraq. I believe much of the marsh habitat was destroyed by a recent leader.
Thanks for posting the list of books. I’m reading “On the Trail of Genghis Khan.” Interesting story, but I must say the author doesn’t come across as someone I’d want to meet. Now, on the other hand, you two are people who it would be nice to meet. Your writing and photos make the reader feel like they are riding along in the back seat. Or at least on the roof rack.
Thanks. Glad you like the list. I read the genghis trail book too – fascinating journey with such detailrd background info. I will add Marsh Arabs on my list. Thanks for that!
Married to A Bedouin is easy to find in Jordan, you can even buy it from the writer herself, who has a shop in Petra (it is closed Fridays). It is also available in the airport at the bookstore there.
Thanks for this!