- Paperback: 289 pages
- Publisher: OUP Pakistan; New edition edition (24 Feb 1994)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0195774663
- ISBN-13: 978-0195774665
- Product Dimensions: 19.4 x 13 x 1.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
1,507,720 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #34 in Books > Travel & Holiday > Countries & Regions > Asia > Himalayas
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
The exploration and appropriation of the wilderness in the heart of the Western Himalayas has become known as the "Gilgit Game" in recognition of its importance as a crucial episode in the "Great Game"--the century-long rivalry between Russia and British India for control of Central Asia. Indeed, authors from Kipling to Masters have treated this struggle as the epitome of this competition between nations. But as John Keay shows in this fascinating and readable account of an exciting period in colonial India, the real characters in this drama were more than a match for their fictional counterparts. With humor, sympathy, and admiration of this small group of intelligence agents, Keay describes the activities that had such far-reaching repercussions in the region. Through extensive research and his own intimate knowledge of the terrain, Keay sheds new light on the once top secret geographical discoveries made by these men, discoveries they were prevented from publishing during their lifetimes.
A fresh look at a little-known aspect of political intrigue, this is the first narrative account of Himalayan exploration set against the backdrop of espionage and military brinkmanship.
A fresh look at a little-known aspect of political intrigue, this is the first narrative account of Himalayan exploration set against the backdrop of espionage and military brinkmanship.
About the Author
John Keay is a freelance journalist, author and traveller.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Early on is a quite wonderful discription of the cliffs of Ghor overlooking the Indus vally with Nanga Parbet's amazing declivity overwhelming the viewer. This is a top book from one of UK's top writers. His books on the sub-continent are flawless.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
2 reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Best Book Ever on the History of this Area
1 Aug 2005
Format:Paperback
I am a student of the history of this region of the world and I must state that "The Gilgit Game" is by far the best book ever written on this subject. I consult it all the time.
"The Gilgit Game" describes the real history of the "Great Game" as described in the Rudyard Kipling book "Kim". During this period, the Russians under the Czar were capturing lands to their south, while at the same time the British in India were taking over areas to their north. The territory in-between was not well known or explored, so both sides sent spies to investigate and map the area and report back.
The end result of the Gilgit Game was the creation of the nation of Aghanistan, which had not existed previously and which was set up as a buffer state betwen the Russians and the British.
Understanding this period of history is important to understanding and resolving the current War in Afghanistan.
Sam Sloan
"The Gilgit Game" describes the real history of the "Great Game" as described in the Rudyard Kipling book "Kim". During this period, the Russians under the Czar were capturing lands to their south, while at the same time the British in India were taking over areas to their north. The territory in-between was not well known or explored, so both sides sent spies to investigate and map the area and report back.
The end result of the Gilgit Game was the creation of the nation of Aghanistan, which had not existed previously and which was set up as a buffer state betwen the Russians and the British.
Understanding this period of history is important to understanding and resolving the current War in Afghanistan.
Sam Sloan
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Fascinating, dense - do you like dry british historical wit?
11 Feb 2002
Format:Paperback
Because if you do, you'll enjoy Keay's quips. But they're lodged in, at least in this edition, tightly packed small print. Keay packs in quite a bit of information, though it is difficult through the first 100 pages or so as you drill yourself in the names of tribes, leaders and geography. Though he follows explorers, they all were entangled in the Great Game between Russia and Britain (and to a lesser extent, China). It doesn't touch so much on Afghan history, to those looking to learn more of their history. Primarily it focuses on Dardistan, the Jammu Kashmir region and the Hindu Kush, Gilgit being a British base of operations for these tribal regions north of India. These Dr. Livingstone/Mata Hari mountaineers and military men all have distinct personalities, brought out by Keay's exhaustive writing. He draws on a great deal of primary source reading, including from a couple of extremely prolific writers who strove to become the reigning experts on the region. They belonged to a small elite club of Europeans who braved dangerous routes in a foreign land for glory, conquest and thrills.
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