My Wish Lists Login / Join

Shifting Sands

A Human History of the Sahara

By: Judith Scheele

Write A Review

Hardcover | 5 August 2025

At a Glance

Hardcover
384 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
23.6 x 15.6 x 3.5

Hardcover

RRP $49.99

$42.75

14%OFF

or 4 interest-free payments of $10.69 with

Ships in 3 to 5 business days

'Engrossing, enlightening, original ... brilliant' The TimesThis is the story of the Sahara as you've never seen it beforeIn this sweeping, majesterial account, Judith Scheele reveals the rich history and complex reality of the world's largest hot desert. Drawing on decades of research, and years spent living in the region, Scheele leads us from the ancient Roman Empire through the bloody colonial era to the geopolitics of the present - and the race for resources that will define the future. The Sahara covers parts of eleven countries, and Scheele follows in the footsteps and tyre-tracks of the many people who cross the desert, taking us into the homes, mosques, palm groves and battlefields where history is written, spoken and remade.The result is a masterful portrait of the Sahara. Encompassing the geology, religions, peoples and politics that shape and fracture the region, Shifting Sands tells the immersive story of a place whose future holds implications for us all.'A detailed, often gritty, picture of a fragile world ... a clearsighted study of life on the edge' Wall Street Journal'A fascinating and intimate perspective of the region from the ground-up' Barnaby Rogerson

Industry Reviews

Praise for Smugglers and Saints of the Sahara:
'An irresistible read ... something particular and intensely human' - Deborah Harrold

'An academic page-turner ... brilliantly written and thrilling to read' - Roman Loimeier

'A must-read for anyone interested in the region' - Ghislaine Lydon - University of California, Los Angeles

'Scholarship is impressive, arguments convincing; this is the book many who know the Sahara will wish they had written' - E. Ann McDougall - University of Alberta

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.