On a narrow ledge in a small town in Turkey, the bald ibis, one of the world's rarest—and ugliest—birds, struggles to survive in an uncaring world.

To map the frontiers of the new Saudi Arabia, H. St. John Philby set out on what would be the longest journey of his already extraordinary career.

For a last look at the Euphrates as it was, a small band of romantics embark on a leisurely voyage down the Syrian segment of this historic waterway.