Contents

Illustrations

Acknowledgements

Prefatory Note

Maps

Introduction

1. Hard by Heaven

2. A People Far Off

3. Down to the Gate of the She-Camel

4. Gorgeous and Disorderly

5. Emerald, Amber, Carnelian

6. Dugong City

7. Visiting the Underworld

8. True Ancient Naturals

9. Venus and Mars

Afterword

Glossary

Bibliography

Notes