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Shadow of the Silk Road

(Vintage Voyages)
Series: Vintage Voyages
3.79 goodreads logo

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( 4,393 ratings, 469 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Shadow of the Silk Road by Colin Thubron is a vivid exploration of the ancient Silk Road, a historical trade route that stretches across Asia from China to the Mediterranean. As Thubron journeys through treacherous landscapes and encounters diverse cultures, he interweaves historical insights with personal reflections, painting a rich tapestry of the regions and peoples that have shaped this legendary route. His narrative combines adventure with a deep appreciation for the varied human stories hidden along the path's dusty trails.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by epic journeys and the rich tapestry of cultures along one of history's most influential trade routes. The author intricately weaves personal anecdotes with historical insights, offering a vivid exploration of landscapes and the diverse people encountered on this remarkable adventure.

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Vintage Voyages: A world of journeys, from the tallest mountains to the depths of the mindOn buses, donkey carts, trains, jeeps and camels, Colin Thubron traces the drifts of the first great trade route out of the heart of China into the mountains of Central Asia, across northern Afghanistan and the plains of Iran into Kurdish Turkey.

VINTAGE VOYAGES- A world of journeys, from the tallest mountains to the depths of the mind

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Vintage Voyages- A world of journeys, from the tallest mountains to the depths of the mind.

Colin Thubron's beautiful prose unfolds along the Silk Road, unearthing a richly layered past on his most ambitious journey.

On buses, donkey carts, trains, jeeps and camels, Colin Thubron traces the drifts of the first great trade route out of the heart of China into the mountains of Central Asia, across northern Afghanistan and the plains of Iran into Kurdish Turkey. A magnificent account of an ancient world in modern ferment, Thubron covers over 7000 miles in eight months enduring a near-miss with a drunk-driver, incarceration in a Chinese cell, and undergoing root canal treatment without anaesthetic, along the way.

Vintage Voyages- A world of journeys, from the tallest mountains to the depths of the mind.

Series: Vintage Voyages

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    Vintage Voyages- A world of journeys, from the tallest mountains to the depths of the mind. Colin Thubron's beautiful prose unfolds along the Silk Road, unearthing a richly layered past on his most ambitious journey. On buses, donkey carts, trains, jeeps and camels, Colin Thubron traces the drifts of the first great trade route out of the heart of China...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Shadow of the Silk Road by Colin Thubron is widely acclaimed as a modern masterpiece in travel writing. Praised for its exceptional erudition, adventure, and elegance, the book combines profound insights with adventurous exploration. Described as poetic, interesting, and deeply engaging, it's appreciated for its beautiful prose and Thubron's mature narrative style.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781784875343

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 June 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 307g

Pages: 384

About the Author

Colin Thubron is the master of classic travel writing, and a previous winner of the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award. His first writing was about the Middle East - Damascus, Lebanon and Cyprus. In 1982 he travelled all over Russia in an ancient Morris Marina - pursued at every stage by the KGB. From these early experiences developed his travel books- Among the Russians, Behind the Wall, The Lost Heart of Asia and In Siberia (all available in Vintage). So great is his dedication to travelling in Russia and China, that he has learned Russian and Mandarin in order to be able to speak to ordinary people en route. Colin Thubron is also a prize-winning novelist - but his travel books have a much higher profile and command much greater sales than his fiction. He lives in West London.

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