This two-volume set gives a detailed and colorful account of Tristram's expeditions to examine the state of the Holy Land (Palestine and Jordan) during the second half of the nineteenth century. Tristram’s account is rooted in the Scriptures where he describes his journeys with many references to the Bible: the glowing prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah; the allusions of Amos and Zephaniah; the story of the wars of Sihon, of Jephthah, and of Joab. The first volume describes the historical land of Moab (Jordan), while the second volume covers the historical land of Israel (Palestine).

Henry Baker Tristram (1822-1906) was a Canon of Durham Cathedral. Having begun traveling for health reasons, he soon took to it for recreation and research, becoming one of the English clergy-naturalists of the nineteenth century. Educated at Lincoln College, Oxford, Tristram came to be admired during his lifetime for his wide interests and keen mind.