- Hardcover: 256 pages
- Publisher: BBC Worldwide (1998)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0563383755
- ISBN-13: 978-0563383758
- Product Dimensions: 24.6 x 18.8 x 2.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
308,265 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #9 in Books > History > Countries & Regions > Asia > East Asia > Mongolia
- #13 in Books > Travel & Holiday > Countries & Regions > Asia > Mongolia
- #76 in Books > Travel & Holiday > Countries & Regions > Asia > Central Asia
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Product Description
Product Description
An account of the explorer, Benedict Allen's journey through Siberia and the remote landscape of Mongolia, and across the Gobi Desert to the border with China. The book ties in with the broadcast of a series of six documentaries following the journey on BBC2 in Autumn 1998.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
41 of 45 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Benedict Allen is one of the few remaining writers for whom the term 'adventurer' holds true. His quest, through the deserts and steppes of Mongolia, made with open eyes and an open mind, is not simply a travelogue, nor is it yet another so-called adventure story in which one man sets out to 'conquer' some part of the globe that got along beautifully for centuries without him. Instead, this is a kind of love story -- a day by day chronicle of hopes, fears, the inevitable setbacks, the kindnesses encountered, the breathtaking landscapes, the almost unimaginable feats accomplished. Benedict keeps the 'why' always before us -- he is searching for the 'why' of his journey too, but it never becomes ponderous or pretentious. Every person he meets is carefully noted; their temperaments, their family ties, their customs, the way a grandmother makes tea, or a young girl smiles, the way a blue silk scarf flutters against the sky, token of the exchange of goods and gifts in a faraway land. I, for one, shall never again see a blue scarf (Mongolia's symbol of Blue Heaven) without remembering this lovely book -- a thinking person's travel guide to the adventurer in all of us, an inspiration to find our own lands to explore.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book was written to accompany the BBC series of the same name.It deals with the authors travels (1996-7) and adventures as he wanders round Mongolia by various means of transport but with the main aim of crossing the Gobi desert from west to east alone with only camels to assist him.
The transit which covers the last quarter of the book is the best part.the author details his trials and tribulations in a most interesting and perceptive manner capturing the nature and heart of the country.It is surprising the padlocked wells did not give him a heart attack.
A good bibliography and a short history of Mongolia are given The pictures are adequate but should have been much better.
The transit which covers the last quarter of the book is the best part.the author details his trials and tribulations in a most interesting and perceptive manner capturing the nature and heart of the country.It is surprising the padlocked wells did not give him a heart attack.
A good bibliography and a short history of Mongolia are given The pictures are adequate but should have been much better.
16 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I've been visiting Mongolia for the last three years, primarily to work on several archaeological sites, but also just to explore that wondrous country. The author of Edge of Blue Heaven starts his journey in the capital city, U.B. and then heads to the far north to embark on his trek by horse and camel across the country. I've traveled some of the same ground and the author is 100% on the mark with his descriptions of the people, culture and the incredible beauty of the region. There were times when I burst out laughing, nudging my wife and pointing out a passage, saying "see, the same darn thing happened to him!" The only disagreement I have, "aureg" fermented horse milk, is actually quite good, once you've acquired the taste for it (and your digestive system learns to handle it!)
The Khovsgol region of Mongolia is truly the most beautiful spot on the face of this earth and the author's pictures, both photographs and his paintings in words capture it.
If you are seeking a great, "old fashion," book of travel adventure, get this one. If you are interested in Mongolia, definitely read this before going there.
William Forstchen
Black Mountain NC USA
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