The Gilgit Game: The Explorers of the Western Himalayas, 1865-95

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating, dense - do you like dry british historical wit?
Review: 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.