Central Asia: A Traveller's Companion

by Kathleen Hopkirk

Kathleen Hopkirk, who first visited Central Asia nearly 30 years ago, has drawn on the accounts and observations of travellers over the centuries to bring to life its turbulent past and set the scene for its no less turbulent present. From Genghis Khan to Mao, it is an area that has witnessed some of the most extraordinary events in history. This guide, arranged alphabetically for the user's convenience, is a concise handbook which also offers an epic account of this region.

Genres: Nonfiction

292 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1993

Reviews

[Frank McAdam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was originally intended, as the title suggests, as a helpful volume whose purpose was to give travelers a deeper understanding of those places in Central Asia which they might be visiting on their journey. Given the current political situation in those parts, I can't believe there are many tourists today headed in that direction. Even at the time, a number of places discussed, such as Kashmir, were off limits; and Afghanistan never even made it into the book. Nevertheless, Hopkirk's guide is a delightful history of the ancient cities and oases of the legendary Silk Road through the centuries from Alexander's conquest up until the present. Even now the very names of Samarkand and Bokhara conjure up visions straight out of the Arabian Nights, and the accounts of the intrepid explorers, soldiers and missionaries who endured incredible hardship to visit these exotic locales make for fascinating reading. Much attention is given to the nineteenth century "Great Game" between Russia and Britain when it seemed these areas might serve as a staging point for a Russian invasion of India.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The combination of great details with a sometimes superficial approach is a bit disturbing. It should be read after having learned the main history lines of Central Asia and not before. With this being said, this book delves into very interesting bits and moments of the region and is indeed a great road companion. I will re-read it for my next trip to Central Asia!