Books Like...

'To The Edge Of The World' by Christian Wolmar is a detailed account of the Trans Siberian Railway, exploring its historical significance and impact on Russia and the world. The book delves into the political, social, and economic aspects surrounding the construction of this iconic railway line, covering events such as the Russo Japanese war, the Russian revolution, and the complexities of financing the project. Wolmar's narrative style combines factual information with personal experiences, creating a compelling story that captures the reader's attention from beginning to end.

Holy Bones, Holy Dust: How Relics Shaped the History of Medieval Europe by Charles Freeman delves into the significance of saints and relics in shaping the identity of medieval Europe. Freeman explores the role of relics in forming group identities and national identities, drawing parallels between the pagan past and Christian practices. The book traces the history of relics from Late Antiquity to the end of the Middle Ages, highlighting their political, social, and religious importance. Freeman's writing style is described as engaging, well-researched, and informative, offering a fresh perspective on a complex and often misunderstood era.

'Under Another Sky: Journeys in Roman Britain' by Charlotte Higgins is a captivating blend of travel narrative, Roman history exploration, and literary musings. The book follows Higgins and her boyfriend as they traverse Roman Britain's sites, delving into the history, artifacts, and people connected to this ancient era. Higgins weaves together stories of eccentric antiquarians, reflections on the impact of Roman presence on Britain's towns and countryside, and personal experiences of visiting monumental sites like Hadrian's Wall and various castles. Her prose is described as clever, clear, and natural, creating a compelling narrative that combines erudition and enthusiasm on every page.

The book also delves into the cultural and historical significance of Britain's Roman past, reflecting on how the Romans shaped the country's architecture, culture, and history. Higgins' exploration is not just a geographical journey but a deep dive into the lasting legacy of Roman influence on Britain, sparking a sense of discovery and enthusiasm for this often overlooked part of British history. Through her engaging writing style and meticulous research, Higgins brings to life the complexities and richness of Roman Britain, making the reader eager to explore the sites and stories she uncovers.

'Necropolis: London and Its Dead' by Catharine Arnold delves into the history of burial practices and cemeteries in London. It explores the gruesome yet intriguing aspects of London's dead, from body snatching to the development of cremation. The narrative is a mix of historical facts and anecdotes, describing the challenges posed by the sheer number of burials in a growing city and the impact of major events like plagues and wars on burial practices. Arnold's writing style is described as skillful and historically accurate, focusing on the macabre yet fascinating history of London's graveyards.

'A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush' by Eric Newby is a humorous and entertaining travel adventure that follows the journey of the author and his friend, Hugh Carless, as they embark on a mission to climb Mir Samir in Afghanistan. The book captures the essence of British amateur travelers from a bygone era, showcasing their can-do determination, casual planning, and self-deprecating humor. Despite being grossly underprepared, Newby and Carless set off with only a few days of climbing practice in Wales and a lighthearted attitude, leading to a series of misadventures and challenges in the rugged terrain of the Hindu Kush region.

Newby's writing style in 'A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush' is characterized by wry, self-deprecating humor that offers insight into the eccentric characters encountered during the journey and vivid descriptions of the Afghan wilderness. The book provides a mix of naivety, modesty, and self-assurance bordering on arrogance, typical of the British explorers of that era. Despite the comical tone, Newby also delves into the cultural context of the places visited, offering an amusing yet informative narrative of their escapades in Northeast Afghanistan in the mid-1950s.

In "City of Djinns: A Year in Delhi" by William Dalrymple, the author takes readers on a journey through the complex and rich history of Delhi. Through his experiences living in the city for a year, Dalrymple intertwines personal anecdotes with historical accounts, exploring the layers of Delhi's past from the Mughal era to British rule, and even further back to ancient times. The book delves into the diverse cultures, traditions, and characters that have shaped Delhi, creating a narrative that is both informative and emotionally captivating.

Dalrymple's writing style in "City of Djinns" is a blend of wit, humor, and deep historical research. He skillfully weaves together the present-day experiences of living in Delhi with the city's tumultuous past, offering readers a multi-dimensional view of the vibrant metropolis. Through encounters with locals, exploration of ancient sites, and reflections on the city's evolution, Dalrymple creates a narrative that is both engaging and insightful, painting a vivid portrait of Delhi through the ages.

'Arabian Sands' by Wilfred Thesiger is a captivating account of the author's travels through the Arabian Peninsula, specifically the Empty Quarter, after World War II. Thesiger immerses himself in the desert way of life, living with the Bedu nomads and experiencing their daily challenges of extreme heat, cold nights, and long treks on camels. The book provides insights into the disappearing Bedu culture due to the advance of demographic and economic changes, capturing a world on the brink of vanishing forever.

Thesiger's writing style in 'Arabian Sands' is described as perceptive, romantic, and filled with respect for the desert people he travels with. The author's deep admiration for the Bedu and their traditions shines through, as he recounts his adventures in a straightforward and almost clinical manner, providing readers with a glimpse into a harsh way of life that was about to be transformed by modernization and oil discovery.

'In Patagonia' by Bruce Chatwin is a travelogue that takes the reader on a journey through the remote and mysterious region of Patagonia in southern Argentina. Chatwin's writing style is described as meandering, with short vignettes that cover encounters with historical figures like Butch Cassidy, exploration of the local culture and history, and reflections on the landscape and wildlife of the area. The book is a blend of travel experiences, historical anecdotes, and personal reflections, creating a unique narrative that captures the essence of Patagonia through Chatwin's eyes.

Chatwin's approach to storytelling in 'In Patagonia' is unconventional, focusing more on historical context and character sketches rather than traditional travelogue descriptions. The book offers a mix of captivating tales and mundane observations, leaving readers with a sense of the history and culture of Patagonia while also sparking controversy over the accuracy of some details. Chatwin's writing style is described as evocative, spare, and at times experimental, creating a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, inviting readers to explore the enigmatic beauty of Patagonia through his words.

'The Road To Oxiana' by Robert Byron follows the journey of the author and his friend Christopher Sykes through Persia and Afghanistan in the 1930s. Byron's main focus is on exploring Islamic architecture, encountering various obstacles and cultural differences along the way. The narrative is presented in diary form, blending detailed descriptions of landscapes and architectural wonders with humorous interactions with people and challenges of traveling in remote regions.

Paul Theroux's 'The Great Railway Bazaar' is a travelogue that follows the author's four-month journey across Asia by train, from London to Japan and back via the Trans Siberian Railway. Theroux explores various countries, encountering a diverse array of people and cultures along the way. The book provides a vivid snapshot of life in Europe and Asia, capturing both the surreal and gritty realism of the landscapes and characters he encounters. Despite Theroux's critical eye and sometimes arrogant tone, the book offers a compelling narrative of train travel through different countries in the early 1970s.

Theroux's writing style is described as witty, engaging, and fast-paced, allowing readers to feel like they are accompanying him on his adventurous railway journey. The author's observations and self-deprecating manner towards the end of his trip add depth to the narrative, providing insights into the historical and cultural context of the places he visits. While some readers find Theroux's misanthropic tendencies and occasional condescension off-putting, others appreciate his ability to bring characters to life and paint vivid portraits of the destinations he explores.