Description
Book SynopsisThe epic plains and arid deserts of Central Asia have witnessed some of the greatest migrations, as well as many of the most transformative developments, in the history of civilization. Christoph Baumer's ambitious four-volume treatment of the region charts the 3000-year drama of Scythians and Sarmatians; Soviets and transcontinental Silk Roads; trade routes and the transmission of ideas across the steppes; and the breathless and brutal conquests of Alexander the Great and Chinghiz Khan. Masterfully interweaving the stories of individuals and peoples, the author's engaging prose is richly augmented throughout by colour photographs taken on his own travels. For all the complexity of the history, Dr Baumer, a noted authority on Central Asia, never loses sight of the sweeping grandeur of its overall setting. Volume 1 focuses on the geography of the area now occupied by present-day Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, northern Afghanistan, western and central Mongolia and parts of southern Russia and northern China. Discussing the changing climates of the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Ages, the author explores subjects as diverse as glacial retreat; the invention of the wheel; the legendary Cimmerians and Amazons; Hellenism and Zoroastrianism; and the Oxus Treasure. Future volumes will explore the later historical periods of the region.
Trade ReviewThe Age of the Steppe Warriors is as magnificent as it is magisterial ... the book is filled with images that are in turn fascinating, mysterious and dazzling. * The Asian Review of Books *
A welcome addition to a slender regional literature. * CHOICE *
This is a truly remarkable book ... It's the first of four volumes and in this - the first - the author has set himself a formidable standard. * Geographical *
A gorgeous creation, with creamy paper, crisp design and perfect colour pictures ... this is more than an encyclopaedia. It's a cultural guidebook on a grand scale. * Literary Review *
The book provides a superb introduction to the history of Central Asia ... a welcome addition to the growing literature on a relatively unknown part of the world until recently. * OCA Magazine *
