Reading For The Road: Books About Jordan

At&nbsp;The Slow Road&nbsp;we answer to many names (wanderers,&nbsp;bon vivants, students of life) but first and foremost, we’re a group of dedicated travellers.That’s why we love compiling&nbsp;reading lists&nbsp;that include those books—from novels to memoirs, and everything in between—that have stirred our inspiration for a region.In this post, Experience Designer <a href="https://butterfield.com/who-we-are/meet-the-designers/nathan-lane">Nathan Lane</a> rounds up a few of his favourite books about <a href="https://butterfield.com/destination/asia/jordan">Jordan</a>—a tiny kingdom that boasts immense wonder, playing home to incredibly diverse landscapes and some of the world's most important Christian sites.Married to a Bedouin by Marguerite von Geldermen.This heart-warming story tells the tale of Marguerite, a New-Zealand-born nurse who travelled to Jordan in the 70s and met Mohammad, a Bedouin souvenir-seller from the ancient city of Petra. Throughout their marriage, Marguerite explored the twist in fate that led her to become part of the Bedouin community. When travelling to Jordan, you may even spot the couple’s son, who can often be seen selling jewellery inside Petra!Walking the Bible by Bruce FeilerThis New York Times bestseller describes one man’s epic odyssey — by foot, jeep, rowboat, and camel — as he crosses the Red Sea, climbs Mt. Sinai and experiences history’s most storied events. This non-fiction book is a great choice if you want to brush up on some of Jordan’s most notable geography.

Desert Queen: The Extraordinary Life of Gertrude Bell &nbsp;by Janet WallachThis masterful biography explores the life of a British intelligence officer who was considered the most powerful woman in the British Empire. Through the early 20th c., she explored, mapped, and excavated the Arab world, and played a major role in creating the modern Middle East. My grandpa gave me this book after listening to my stories about my first trip to Syria, Jordan and Egypt, and pointed out that there was so much more to learn.Travels in Syria and the Holy Land by John Lewis BruckhardtFrom the ruins of ancient Petra to the Bedouin camps, this book provides insight into all aspects of Arabian life through the eyes of John Lewis Burckhardt. He was a Swiss explorer who spent years studying and exploring Arabia and Egypt in preparation for his trip to unearth the source of the River Niger. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

Lawrence in Arabia by Scott AndersonA thrilling narrative about the Arab Revolt against the Turks, this classic tale reveals how the Middle East was forever changed during World War I, focusing on a young military officer who was torn between two nations. Lawrence of Arabia was written after four years of intensive document research and captures the action and intensity of the Middle East in the 20th c. It’s a classic story, but I won’t turn a blind eye if you’ve just seen the movie!

Bonus! Jordan in Film: Wadi Rum—Hollywood’s MarsSpeaking of movies, some of the world’s most beautiful films were shot in the tiny kingdom of Jordan—and for good reason. With its otherworldly desert landscape, the Wadi Rum can easily be mistaken for Mars. Director Ridley Scott fell in love with its moonlight granite rocks on a trip to Jordan, and it later became his film set of choice for many movies including The Martian, Prometheus and Kingdom of Heaven (I always recommend the directors cut!).&nbsp;Everyone who visits the Wadi Rum will completely understand what Lawrence of Arabia meant when he used ‘vast, echoing and God-like’ to describe the place, used as the backdrop when Anthony Quinn when rides into the UNESCO Site. When B&amp;R visits Jordan, travellers can literally walk in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia—passing Bedouin communities and incredible food stands along the way.In Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Gareth Edwards chose Wadi Rum as a stand-in for Jedha, a desert moon that orbits the planet of NaJedha. The iconic sandy landscape can also be seen in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

These are the best books and movies about Jordan that capture the spirit and rich history of this incredible kingdom

Jordan

At the heart of the Middle East, Jordan is a land where ancient history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes converge. From the serene waters of the Dead Sea to the red sands of Wadi Rum and the awe-inspiring ruins of Petra, Jordan offers a journey through time and terrain. It is home to some of the world’s most significant Christian and Islamic heritage sites, as well as thriving modern cities like Amman that hum with contemporary energy and timeless traditions.What makes Jordan truly special is its ability to bridge the past and present. Explore Roman amphitheaters, crusader castles, and centuries-old caravan routes that tell the story of civilizations long gone, while also connecting with the warmth of its people who share a deep pride in their land. Whether you're marveling at the grandeur of Petra, camping under star-filled desert skies, or floating effortlessly in the mineral-rich Dead Sea, Jordan is a place of immense wonder and profound hospitality, where every moment leaves a lasting impression.

Journey through history

Jordan | Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

Breathtaking Landscapes

Unforgettable Experiences

UNESCO Heritage Sites

In Jordan, history whispers from rose-red cliffs and starry desert skies. Wander Petra’s ancient paths, float in the Dead Sea and sip sweet tea with Bedouin hosts under Wadi Rum’s towering sandstone. From Roman ruins to canyon hikes and spice-scented feasts, this is Middle Eastern magic—bold, beautiful and utterly unforgettable.

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is full of wonder

Jordan Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

Discover a tiny kingdom full of big surprises as you explore Petra. Weave your way through narrow canyons with colourful sandstone and dine on authentic Bedouin cuisine cooked under the sands of Wadi Rum. Whether you're wandering caves with prehistoric carvings or climbing up wondrous Mount Nebo, in Jordan, every moment becomes a fond memory.B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

Journey through the desert

Discover a tiny kingdom full of big surprises as you explore Petra. Weave your way through narrow canyons with colourful sandstone and dine on authentic Bedouin cuisine cooked under the sands of Wadi Rum. Whether you're wandering caves with prehistoric carvings or following in Moses' footsteps up sacred Mount Nebo, in Jordan, every moment becomes a fond memory.

Jordan

Reading For The Road: Books About Jordan

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