Empty Quarter: A Photographic Journey to the Heart of the Arabian Desert Hardcover – November 1, 2009

As Steinmetz says, the Empty Quarter (the interior of the southern Arabian peninsula) was first seen by Europeans long after they had visited the South and North Poles. It isn't much easier to visit today. But visiting just the coastal areas of the UAE, Oman, Yemen and Saudi is like trying to understand the USA after just visiting NYC, LA, Miami and Seattle. Go inland 100 miles from say Dubai and you are in a very very different place.From travelling around the edges, I was expecting a lot of empty. I wasn't expecting the people and wildlife who live there now - and ruins which show people have lived there for a long time.The book benefits from Steinmetz being a celebrity photographer. Otherwise he would not have got permission and support from the Saudi government and others. Most of us could never get to these places let alone take great photographs.

Having lived in Saudi for 17 years *early '80s to 2000) and traveling deep into the the "Rub many times, these are the most beautiful photos I have ever seen and will remain in my Saudi collection of books foever. My photographs are all as we trekked by land, over sand dunes, snapping every critter that scrared the crap out of us. Never have and never will see a more beautiful sky at night or wake so such silence and peace and joy. The heat was unbearable, but we had learned beforehad to tolerate and be prepared -- thus, we were obviously "bearable for the 104 degree temps). Thank you for a lovely book!

George does such a great job of capturing interesting points of view, the desert is very captivating.

I like coffee table kind of big portfolio books. Whenever I open cover of book, I leave home and begin travelling around the World.

The condition was good not great.

I have long been an admirer of Steinmetz's work, but "Empty Quarter" is his best ever in my opinion. The photographs could only have been made from his low flying powered hang glider. That perch and Steinmetz's eye have produced stunning images.

George Steinmetz is an unbelievable photographer and writer. I love all his work and this one is very much up to his high standards. A different perspective and an awesome subject make this a must have book.

perfect, highly recommended