The Great Game
Peter Hopkirk (Author)
Publisher: John Murray Press
ISBN: 9780719564475
Weight: 418.00
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 592
Page Dimensions: 135 x 196 x 38mm
Categories: HIstory
Sub Categories:
Tags: United Kingdom Great Britain Russia Central Asia c 1800 to c 1900 Asian history Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900 War & defence operations
For nearly a century the two most powerful nations on earth, Victorian Britain and Tsarist Russia, fought a secret war in the lonely passes and deserts of Central Asia. Those engaged in this shadowy struggle called it 'The Great Game', a phrase immortalized by Kipling. When play first began the two rival empires lay nearly 2,000 miles apart.
By the end, some Russian outposts were within 20 miles of India. This classic book tells the story of the Great Game through the exploits of the young officers, both British and Russian, who risked their lives playing it. Disguised as holy men or native horse-traders, they mapped secret passes, gathered intelligence and sought the allegiance of powerful khans.
Some never returned. The violent repercussions of the Great Game are still convulsing Central Asia today.