Al Moussami

Book Reviews

“I received my copy of this book last week and enjoyed reading it very much. I commend Bachir Bserani and Kellie Kolodziejczyk on their monumental efforts with this book. While I enjoy providing a translation from time to time for friends, I can only imagine the many hours required to write this book.

“The book provides several stories from the author's childhood in the Middle East as well as several beautiful artist's renderings.

“The book provides guidelines for naming horses, taking into account both feminine and male genders. There is a section on Arabic to English translation, as well as a section on English to Arabic translation. Both are very helpful if one is to follow the Arabic tradition of naming horses.

“I really appreciate seeing the names written in the Arabic language as well. It is much easier to follow the transliteration, when the Arabic name is included.

“Bachir and Kellie, Congratulations on your book! I will enjoy having it in my libraty and hope that many others take the opportunity to add this book to their collection!”

— Majid Alsayegh, Al Majid Arabians, United States

“This wonderful book is a must-have for any Arabian horse enthusiast. Described as "a collection of Arabic names with translations and pronunciations especially for the Arabian horse lover," this book certainly lives up to that description and more.

“Beginning with the philosophy behind the true naming of the Arabian horse and the origin of the breed, the introduction takes you through the world of story-telling within the Bedouin tribes and is well worth a read.

“The dictionary itself is divided into two sections—Arabic-English and English-Arabic and the sections themselves are presented in the masculine and feminine forms. For example, the word "great" is Jaleel in the masculine form and Jaleelah in the feminine. Each word also comes with the correct pronunciation—useful for show commentators!

“Full of quotes and beautiful photos, as well as the horse names themselves, this reference book is a beautiful journey through the Arabian world, celebrating the horse breed that we all love the most.”

— Samantha Mattocks, The Arabian Magazine, United Kingdom

“I just wanted to let you know how happy our clients are to receive your beautiful book of names from us. When a person buys a horse from us, we give the new owner your beautiful book to pick names for their new horse or for the babies their horse will have. They love it. Thanks for publishing this wonderful book.”

— Wanda Kenworthy, Paradise Arabians Ltd., USA

“What a great idea! The book Authentic Arabian Horse Names is a real hit. Everything else published since then has been lamentable and remained little known. This volume is a gold mine for every breeder, providing authentic names as well as their meaning and their pronunciation. The Arabic calligraphy might have been, if not more artistic, somewhat more accurate, preferably with the help of a typesetting programme. But this is unlikely to bother most readers, who will not be able to read Arabic in any case; and we are all treated to an introduction by Joe Ferris and a number of well-chosen quotes and stories in praise of the Arabian horse.

“It is a characteristic of breeders and friends of the Arabian horse—often as opposed to other horse breeders—that they are concerned with the history of their horses and their breeders (in this case, the Bedouins) and not only purchase the relevant books, but also read and study them. This book by Bachir Bserani and Kellie Kolodziejczyk fills a painfully obvious gap.”

— Dr. h. c. mult. W. Georg Olms, ASIL CLUB e.V., Germany

“Authentic Arabian Horse Names is a wonderful book which sets out to help Arabian horse (and Saluki) owners select a proper and true Arabic name for their new foal (puppy).

“In the first fifty pages of the book are chapters dedicated to the history of the Arabian horse, the importance of the proper naming of the foals, along with wonderful stories of the legends and mysteries behind the Arabian horse of today. The balance of the book contains an Arabic-English, and English-Arabic section with the Arabic name, the Arabic symbol/writing for the name, the proper pronunciation, and the English translation. The names are shown in their proper Mouher (male) form and Mouhra (female) form

“This hard-bound book's cover depicts the gorgeous 1986 painting by Andre Pater, which features a Saluki, entitled When Bargaining Gets Tight.

“Just one or the other of the sections, the history-myth of the Arabian horse, or the names with the proper pronunciations, would be worth the price of the book, but the combination is a winning volume of knowledge that every dedicated Saluki owner will want to have in his or her library.”

— Marilyn LaBrache Brown, editor of The Classic Saluki

“What dedication is reflected in your book—thank you for including the Arabic—I know few people may use it (although all will enjoy seeing it) yet for someone like me who can read the Arabic it makes all the difference. This means I can pronounce the word, if I don't know it, or even look it up if I want a more detailed definition. This is wonderful!”

— Cynthia Culbertson, El Miladi Arabian Stud, USA

“I just received my copy of the names book and it is beautiful. I love the stories especially. I have always found joy in the stories of how the names of special horses or salukis have come to be.”

— Jane Taylor, Khamsa Salukis

“I received my copy of your book. It is a beautiful book and so interesting to read! And I noticed that you signed it personally. That is particulary special to me! I have spent the last 3 days reading it and rereading many passages in it. Irene Tones' illustrations are fabulous!! I am an English major; thus I find literature, traditions, myth and lore from diverse cultures a source of endless fascination. I particularly loved "The Story of the Horseman." I value wisdom more each day. Thank you!”

— Roxanne Weibe, United States

“I enjoy your book and review it almost daily! Personally, I look for meaning in everything, especially the names of my animals. Part of the reason I didn't register some of my horses [yet] is because I was trying to find the best name to suit each individual horse. Now, because of your book, I have another problem - too many names to choose from. There is an abundance of name potentials!

“I personally know how much work goes into creating a book, the long hours and deep commitment. Not only did I greatly enjoy the content, but I also [enjoy] your quotes, the photos, seeing the Arabic spellings, and the cover, too! I can tell you put much thought into your creation.

“Your stories in your book captivated me. In my opinion, you have a very natural storytelling ability that invokes deep emotions. Something I know other aspiring writers try to capture and do when they speak from the heart like you have done. I was left wanting more of these stories, and yearning to learn more about Arabic custom.

“As a young breeder, I appreciate your work greatly! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us through your book, leaving me wanting more!”

— Sheila Bautz, Canada

“I just received my copy of Authentic Arabian Horse Names and I couldn't put it down. Congratulations! It is a book that is long overdue in the Arabian horse community. I have experienced the poor naming choices that plague the Arabian horse here in the United States. Now owners and breeders will be able to name their horses properly with confidence.

“I was struck by the wonderful stories about life in the desert with the Arabian horse. I teared up as I read about Abou Mahmood and his beloved Rheemah. The stories give us readers a greater understanding of why the Bedouin people hold the Arabian in such a high status. … I expect that we will see great things to come from the two of you in the future.”

—Rhonda Shatrau, United States

“I have received my copy of the book. … It is extremely interesting and informative and a really worthwhile reference for … breeders such as myself. Congratulations … for producing such a fine publication. I particularly enjoyed reading the introductory paragraphs about [Bachir's] boyhood days and … [his] introduction to the Arabian horses—excellent!”

—Dorothy Brandie, Templar Croft Arabians, Scotland

“I have received my copy … and from the very first pages found the book very interesting. I do not have the "need" to find names for my horses, but … being interested in everything related to Arabian horses (the history of the breed, etc.) and being so "fascinated" by [the] Arabic alphabet and calligraphy, I have found it extremely nice to see these names the way they are written and pronounced in their original language. This is really great!

“A very good job and a very good [addition] to all Arabian horse book collections. May I also add that this book could be very interesting for Saluki or Sloughi breeders or owners. I do believe that Arabic names are really better for these types of dogs!”

—Paola Marinangeli, Italy