By Colin Thubron

This book is a travelogue unlike one you have ever read. Colon Thubron's encyclopedic knowledge of history and his acute observations of current  political realities illuminate the legedary "silk road" - the almost mythical land path that has united the trade and culture East and West since before the birth of Christ.

Mr. Thubron's writing style is almost poetic. His curiosity and compulsion to understand the remarkable intermingling of cultures seen over this vast area begs the reader to follow him.

The author's own path from Xian, China -- home of the mythical Yellow Emperor who united that country -- all the way to the Mediteranean Ocean, took him through personal hardships and physical dangers. The result of his labor is a challenging book, packed with fascinating remnants of the past plus details of current political entanglements. It is well worth the read for anyone with an interest his history, culture, and the politics of East and West.