English authors in Islamic societies A compelling account of Arabian culture chronicled through the eyes of a British writer David Urch's compelling account of his years in Saudi Arabia belongs to a longstanding and important tradition of English authors rendering their encounters with Islamic societies.These works range from the letters of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu to T E Lawrence's Seven Pillars of Wisdom and the accounts of Freya Stark. Like its predecessors, An Englishman in Riydah cleverly and poignantly weaves aspects of Islamic and Arabian culture into a delightful tapestry of storytelling.Urch's stories are wonderfully told and realised, illustrating Arabian culture as he lived it while launching the English Service for the Ministry of Information. Urch powerfully encapsulates a vivid sense of place which drives the pathos, the impending disaster, and the unexpected twists towards a (usually) happy ending. The magic of Arabia has certainly been taken home with David!