For many Westerners, whose view of the Arab world is skewed by news, the region is little more than a hotbed of terrorism. And yet, Arabia is a land with a rich tradition of enlightenment, a vibrant society, and a past and present inextricably entwined with the culture of the West. "Arabia: The Golden Ages" introduces readers to the rich tapestry of Arabian life: the "hajj, " where in the largest single human gathering on Earth three million Muslims descend upon the holy city of Mecca to reaffirm their faith; the depths of the Red Sea, explored in an underwater search for ancient shipwrecks and clues to the past; and everyday traditions such as a festive henna party for a bride-to-be. Former diplomat Michael Hamilton Morgan guides this sumptuously illustrated journey that transforms how Western audiences view what is both an exotic land and cultural partner.