Arabian Peninsula. Under the Spell of Arabia by Mathias Oppersdorff.

Syracuse University Press, 2001. First edition, first printing, hardcover with protected dust jacket. Fine/fine. 121 pages, illustrated with black and white photographs of desert people in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan, and Yemen. Does not include urban scenes. Endorsement by Mary Ellen Mark on back cover. When the book was published, Oppersdorff (1935-2010) had 18 years of experience as a travel photographer for Gourmet magazine. He also published two other books of his photographs, The Irish Travelers and Adirondack Faces. Summary:

Under the Spell of Arabia by Mathias Oppersdorff is a travel narrative that recounts the author’s journeys through the Arabian Peninsula, offering both vivid descriptions of the landscape and insights into the region’s culture, society, and traditions. The book blends personal observation with historical and cultural commentary, providing readers with an immersive perspective on Arabia beyond common Western stereotypes.

Key Themes and Content

1. Exploration and Landscape
Oppersdorff captures the vast deserts, mountain ranges, and coastal regions of Arabia, detailing the natural beauty, challenges of travel, and the stark contrasts between urban centers and remote villages. His descriptions evoke the sensory experience of the region—heat, sandstorms, and the quiet majesty of open spaces.

2. Culture and Society
The narrative emphasizes encounters with local people, highlighting social customs, hospitality, religious practices, and everyday life. Oppersdorff portrays both the diversity and the continuity of traditions across tribal and urban communities.

3. History and Heritage
Throughout the book, historical context enriches the travelogue, as Oppersdorff explores ancient trade routes, historical cities, and the legacies of regional rulers. These accounts link contemporary observations to Arabia’s long and complex past.

4. Personal Reflection
The work is partly introspective, as the author reflects on his own reactions, challenges, and growth during the journey. His experiences convey both fascination and respect for the people and lands he visits, reinforcing the title’s notion of being “under the spell” of Arabia.

Style

• Narrative-driven, blending anecdote and reportage

• Rich descriptive passages with attention to sensory detail

• Interweaving of historical context and contemporary observation

Overall Significance

Under the Spell of Arabia serves as both a travel memoir and a cultural exploration, offering Western readers of its time a nuanced perspective on the Arabian Peninsula. By combining adventure, observation, and reflection, Oppersdorff provides a compelling portrait of a region often misunderstood, emphasizing its landscapes, heritage, and human dimensions.