Drinkers of the Wind Carl Raswan c1940 First Edition Lady Wentworth Copy
 
Title & Bibliographic Details
Title: Drinkers of the Wind
Author: Carl R. Raswan
Illustrations: By the Author
Publisher: Hutchinson & Co. (Publishers) Ltd., London & Melbourne
Printer: Gainsborough Press, St Albans, by Fisher, Knight & Co. Ltd.
Date: c.1940
Edition: Probable First Edition
Although the publisher's page is undated, the volume contains a Hutchinson publisher's catalogue advertising Drinkers of the Wind amongst its Important New Books for Fall 1940. Furthermore, the author's presentation inscription to Lady Wentworth is dated 'Xmas 1940', confirming that the book was in circulation by the end of that year.
 
Historical & Bibliographic Context
Drinkers of the Wind is one of the most sought-after works by the celebrated Arabian horse authority and traveller Carl Raswan. Part memoir, part travel narrative, and part tribute to the Arabian horse, the book records Raswan's experiences among the Bedouin tribes of Arabia and Egypt during a period when traditional desert life was rapidly disappearing.
The work centres upon Raswan's beloved Arabian horse, Ghazal, whose story forms the emotional core of the narrative. Richly illustrated by the author himself, the volume captures a world that fascinated both equestrian enthusiasts and students of Middle Eastern history.
Today Raswan's books remain highly regarded amongst collectors of Arabian horse literature, equestrian history, Bedouin culture, and Middle Eastern travel writing.
 
About the Author
Carl R. Raswan (1893–1966) was a traveller, writer and internationally respected authority on Arabian horses and Bedouin culture.
His first-hand experiences in Arabia made him one of the most influential figures in twentieth-century Arabian horse scholarship, and his books continue to be collected worldwide.
 
About the Illustrations
The volume contains the complete suite of photographic plates listed within the book, all present and checked.
These illustrations provide important documentary evidence of Arabian horses, Bedouin life, desert travel, and the author's experiences in the Middle East. Complete copies are considerably more desirable than incomplete examples.
 
Provenance
This copy possesses exceptional provenance.
The front free endpaper bears a presentation inscription in the author's hand:
"Lady Wentworth – from an old friend
Xmas 1940"
Accompanying the volume are two original inserts:
A signed letter dated 1st June 1979 from Alexander Heriot & Co. Ltd., booksellers. 
A specimen of Carl Raswan's handwriting supplied for comparison and authentication purposes. 
The letter, signed by Director James Fleming, certifies that this volume was Lady Wentworth's personal copy and confirms that the inscription is in the author's hand.
 
Lady Wentworth
Judith Anne Dorothea Blunt-Lytton, 16th Baroness Wentworth (1873–1957) was one of the most important figures in the history of Arabian horse breeding.
Granddaughter of Ada Lovelace and owner of the renowned Crabbet Arabian Stud, Lady Wentworth is regarded as one of the most influential breeders and scholars of Arabian horses in the twentieth century.
Association copies linking Carl Raswan directly with Lady Wentworth are highly desirable and significantly more valuable than ordinary copies.
 
Binding & Exterior Condition
Bound in the publisher's original black cloth with white lettering to the spine.
The binding remains attractive, clean and structurally sound. Wear is light and commensurate with age, consisting of:
Soft bumping to the corners 
A few very light marks and scratches 
Minor edge wear 
The cloth remains robust and presents well on the shelf.
 
Interior Condition
The pages are lightly toned with age.
Condition remains very good overall:
Light foxing visible to the page edges when closed 
Occasional very light or small marks 
Predominantly uncreased pages 
No page tears noted 
Tight and secure binding throughout 
Additional points:
Authorial presentation inscription to the front free endpaper 
Interesting contemporary pencil annotations on page 199 
Original authentication letter present 
Original handwriting specimen present 
The book is complete with all listed illustrations present.
 
Physical Details
Pagination: 288 pages plus 24-page publisher's catalogue 
Complete with all listed photographic plates 
Approximate dimensions: 23.3 cm × 16 cm × 3.7 cm 
Weight: Approximately 709 grams 
 
Rarity & Collector Notes
Rarity Assessment: Rare
Several factors combine to make this an unusually desirable copy:
Probable first edition 
Complete with all photographic plates 
Authorial presentation inscription 
Direct association with Lady Wentworth 
Contemporary authentication documentation 
Strong condition 
Highly collectible subject matter 
Ordinary copies of Drinkers of the Wind appear only intermittently on the market. Copies carrying a direct presentation inscription from Raswan to Lady Wentworth are exceptionally uncommon and occupy a different collecting category from standard copies.
The accompanying authentication letter substantially strengthens the provenance and helps distinguish this copy from unverified association copies.
For collectors of Arabian horse literature, Crabbet Stud history, equestrian books, Middle Eastern travel, or notable provenance material, this is a particularly significant example.