In 1838, painter David Roberts set off on a yearlong journey that resulted in an unprecedented documentation of the Holy Land. The extraordinary wonders he saw on his trip and the lifestyle in this exotic land during the mid-19th century are brought to life in this handsome volume through vibrant colour plates, each of which is accompanied by a lively description that places each locale depicted in its historic context.From the Sinai Desert to the Dead Sea, from Petra to Gaza to Jerusalem, Roberts documented every step of his travels with the meticulous sketches that, upon his return to England, he transformed into the lithographs that earned him worldwide acclaim. He captured on paper such sites of worship as the Rock of Moses, such architectural wonders as the Damascus Gate, and vistas of the major cities and landscapes along the way. Roberts' depictions of pilgrimages, excavations, and then-undeveloped cities that are now major world hubs present us with a unique opportunity to savour the romantic atmosphere of the 19th century and the true virtuosity of David Roberts.A journalist since 1990, Fabio Bourbon has written numerous books for White Star, including Egypt - Yesterday and Today & The Lost Cities of Mayas.