Book excerpt: With the endorsement and assistance of the Omani government, the only guide to Oman has been thoroughly updated for the second edition. For naturalists, the rock formations, minerals, and fossils of Oman are textbook-quality, and the variety of flora and fauna is awe-inspiring. For adventurers, there is wadi bashing, hiking, camping, and rock climbing. The landscape ranges from desert to oasis to mountain to coast, and the Omani people are among the most hospitable in the world. This guide utilizes the familiar Maverick format to communicate everything a first-time traveler needs to know. The author lives in Oman and has made many of the treks he writes about. He gives insight into the customs, history, and culture of the country, as well as how to get along with the Omanis in the best possible fashion. Advice is given on everything from asking permission to take pictures, to what type of vehicle to drive in certain areas, to which forts are open to the public, to what kinds of clothes to wear.