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Himalaya

A Human History
By Ed Douglas
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3.65 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 443 ratings, 96 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
Himalaya by Ed Douglas offers an engaging exploration of the formidable mountain range, delving into its history, cultures, and people. The book intertwines accounts of climbing expeditions with tales of political intrigue and spiritual traditions, painting a vivid picture of the Himalayas' impact on global history. With a broad narrative scope, it provides insights into the region's enigmatic allure and cultural significance.
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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?

This book may appeal to you if you have a fascination with the vast landscapes and rich history of the Himalayan region. With a blend of geopolitical intrigue and cultural exploration, it delves into how these majestic mountains have shaped societies and influenced global politics. Perfect for those who have an interest in the intersection of geography, history, and human resilience.

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A magisterial history of the Himalaya: an epic story of peoples, cultures, and adventures among the world's highest mountains.

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

Himalaya by Ed Douglas is the first major history of the Himalayan region, offering an epic story of its peoples, cultures, and the world's highest mountains.

"Magnificent... this book is unlikely to be surpassed." — Telegraph

This groundbreaking history explores the interactions among Jesuit missionaries, Tibetan Lamas, Mongol Khans, and Nepali craftsmen. Armenian merchants exchanged musk and gold with the Mughals, weaving a rich tapestry of cultural exchanges and adventures.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2020 DUFF COOPER PRIZE

Himalaya features a diverse cast of characters, including scholars, tyrants, bandits, CIA agents, go-betweens, and revolutionaries. This panoramic, character-driven history covers the Himalayas on both the grandest and most human scales. It is by far the most comprehensive account written, encompassing geology, genetics, botany, and art, and it is bursting with stories of courage and resourcefulness.

"Magisterial" — The Times

"His observations are sharp... his writing glows." — New York Review of Books

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2021 BOARDMAN TASKER AWARD FOR MOUNTAIN LITERATURE

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?

Himalaya by Ed Douglas receives high praise for its comprehensive and elegantly crafted exploration of the region and its people. Reviews highlight its meticulous detail, enriching the narrative with a complex tapestry of human history and worldly influences. Critics commend its engaging synthesis of diverse subjects and characters, creating a coherent and highly readable account of the Himalayas.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781784704483

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 July 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 44.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 500g

Pages: 592

Collections

Asian History Ed Douglas Education & Reference History & Archaeology History & Military Non-Fiction Penguin Books Politics & Current Affairs Science & Nature

About the Author

Ed Douglas is an award-winning writer who has reported from the Himalaya for over twenty-five years, covering the Maoist insurgency in Nepal and the Tibetan occupation. The author of a dozen books, including a biography of Tenzing Norgay, he is also a climber with first ascents in the Himalaya, and edits the Alpine Journal. He lives in Sheffield.

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