Set amidst Ottoman Egypt's arabesque splendor and the harsh Arabian desert, this handsome book documents the Arabian breed's ancestors through horses acquired by Egypt's Viceroy Abbas Pasha I, after his grandfather, Mohamed Ali Pasha, conquered Arabia's Wahhabi dynasty. Vividly described are the warring Bedouin tribes such as the Al Saud's, who bred the horses, as well as European royalty who concurrently established stud farms from them which endure today. The Manuscript itself, narrated in almost Biblical prose by the Bedouins to Abbas Pasha's scribes, recounts colorful Arabian horse histories, poetry, tales of blood feuds, raids, hospitality and chivalry. Over 700 pages; 8 1/2 X 11; more than 350 lavish Orientalist equine art illustrations (Delacroix, Gericault, etc.). Plus maps and charts. A MUST FOR ALL LIBRARIES, MUSEUMS and HORSE LOVERS. $180 plus handling/shipping. Very limited deluxe first edition, collector's item; prompt orders suggested. Ansata Publications, Rt. 2 Box 312A, Mena, AR 71953. FAX: 501-394-3078; Tel.: 501-394-5288. Visa/MasterCard.