This is the third printing (1949) of the "new and definitive" edition of 1936. It is considered the best and preferred edition because of the introduction by T.E. Lawrence. in the original brown cloth, with only a hint of edgewear. Bright gilt titles on the spine. Inside, very clean and tight, hinges are fine and no stains. A hint of foxing on the preliminary pages. The large folding map at the end of volume one is present, in fine condition. Original scarce dust jackets on both volumes protected in clear, mylar sleeves. Doughty (1843-1926) was a poet and traveler, He joined a pilgrim caravan in Damascus late in 1876, as "Khalil, an Arab " , traveling to Hail, Kheybar and the Kasim in central Arabia. He emerged 21 months later at Jiddah. In the second part of the trip he proclaimed himself English, and gathered vast new information about northwest Arabia, nomadic life and the character of the Arabians. But the rigors of his travels broke his health. He became the professorr and inspiration of later English experts including Gertrude Bell and T.E. Lawrence. Pages 674 and 696 with index and a long glossary of Arabic words. A solid, nice set and larger (ten and 1/2 inches tall) than earlier editions. Folding color map of Doughty wanderings at the end of volume two has tape repairs at the folds on the verso, not affecting the map.