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Author unknown to us previously, but glad we read a recommendation online and decided to purchase. An easy-to-read real-life travel story that bowls along like a fictional adventure. Will buy more of Eric Newby's books.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
In summary, 2 English men with next to no mountaineering experience, set off the the remotest part of Afghanistan to climb a mountain said by the locals to be unclimable. This being the late 1950s however the first leg of the journey is to drive from London to Kabul in a station wagon through the aftermath of the second world war. Whilst being somewhat dated now with the changes in geopolitics, this is nevetheless a must read for anyone who is in any way interested in the failure of any major military power, fom the Americans to the Russians to Alexander the Great to gain a lasting foothold in Afghanistan and goes a long way to forming an understanding of how and why it was that in the wake of the American backed withdrawal of forces in late 2021 the country reverted to type in the blink of an eye. Whilst perhaps now in 2022 the perception is that the Talibhan are in control of the region, this account of the remoteness and fragmented nature of the peoples suggests otherwise. The account is straight-forward, with moments of humour and complete obsurdity, and anyone who has been in a similar expedition will be all to familiar with the ups and downs of the relationships between the principals and the porters they engage and the local peoples. If the reader is looking for another book in a similar vein then 'First Overland' by Tim Slessor, also dating to the 1950s about drivin from London to Singapore is also worth looking out for.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Brilliant writing and eccentric brave adventure.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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