Across Arabia

This book offers a captivating account of one woman's groundbreaking journey across Saudi Arabia, revealing the social and political landscape of the time.

In Across Arabia, readers are taken on a remarkable journey through the early days of Saudi Arabia, as seen through the eyes of Geraldine Rendel, the first Western woman to travel openly in the Kingdom as a non-Muslim. Her journey began in March 1937 when she achieved several notable distinctions, including being the first woman to be publicly received by King 'Abd al-'Aziz. This journey, which was rare for any foreigner at the time, marked a significant moment in the history of Western travel in Arabia, especially as the Kingdom was emerging in the wake of its proclamation in 1932.

The book captures the essence of this transformative period, showcasing the intersection of diplomacy and exploration. Geraldine and her husband, George, who was the head of the Eastern Department of the Foreign Office, documented their experiences in a detailed diary. While George focused on the political aspects of their visit, Geraldine approached their journey with a sense of adventure, treating it as a holiday filled with social encounters and personal insights. Her narrative, which remained unpublished until now, is enriched by the couple's stunning photographs that provide a visual testament to the era.

William Facey’s biographical introduction adds depth to the narrative by weaving together Geraldine's life story with the broader context of Anglo-Saudi relations during the 1920s and 1930s. Across Arabia not only highlights a pioneering woman's journey but also reflects the evolving landscape of a nation on the brink of modernization.