Handbook of Central Asia

Rating:
Summary: Best Referrence on Central Asia
Review: This is an excellent reference on the complex ancient and modern histories of the 5 new post-Soviet Republics of Central Asia.
Each section of the book - Kazakstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikstan, and Kyrgyzstan - contains detailed maps, and the ethnic, religious, linguistic and socio-economic history of each area in detail.
The environmental devastation from Soviet activities, such as the drying up of the Aral Sea and the radioactive contamination from atmospheric testing in Kazakhstan, makes it an excellent source for environmentalists.
It also covers the geo-political significance of an area that U.S. foreign policy has targeted for its oil pipelines. The impact of Afghanistan and instabilities in the area on these republics is outlined.
This is an excellent reference for researchers, historians, the business community or people working in these regions. Extensive bibliographical sources, the detailed maps and in-depth coverage of complex issues makes this source unique. It is one of the only one-volume books, up to date, available in English on an increasingly important region.