The Horses of the Sahara and the Manners of the Desert

"The Horses of the Sahara and the Manners of the Desert" by E. Daumas is a book that closely examines the deep bond between Arabs and their horses in the Sahara desert. The author shares observations about how these horses are raised, what they look like, and how they are trained, mixed with stories and cultural understandings of the Bedouin tribes. The book wants to show the many important connections, both practical and heartfelt, between the Arab people and their horses. It starts by explaining how important horses are to Arab life, from fighting wars to trading goods and just getting around every day. The author talks about his time in Africa and getting to know different tribes, aiming to give a real picture based on what he saw and learned from conversations with Emir Abd-el-Kader. This sets the stage to show how horses are more than just animals; they are loyal friends and symbols of Arab identity, honor, and faithfulness.