Afghanistan: A Companion And Guide

Thanks to 20 years of civil war and its association with terrorism, Afghanistan is now unjustly considered by many in the West as a barbarous backwater. Afghanistan: A Companion and a Guide aims to dispel this image in a comprehensive introduction to 3,000 years of Afghan culture. Starting with a full history of the country from 1500 BC, each wonderfully illustrated chapter looks at the major regions and cities, describing their distinctive culural and ethnic traditions, their associations with poets, artists, travellers and holy man, as well as warriors and conquerors. a number of specialist essays by leading experts further present topics such as archaeology, architecture, carpets, miniature painting food, music, flora and fauna. Experienced Afghan traveller Matthew Leeming contributes detailed information for those who intend to visit the country, with guides to specific cities and areas, as well as more general travel advice.

"... much more than a guidebook... the contents page alone had me gripped! The chapter on places to stay in Kabul had me laughing out loud... require reading for anyone with any interest in Afghanistan."

Christina Lamb, Sunday Time, author of The Sewing Circles of Herat

"... what we have all been wating for. Bijan Omrani and Matthew Leeming have compiled a masterful and elegant guide to this most alluring of countries. Packed with history, rich in whimsical detail, it is a treat for anone contemplating a trip to Central Asia's gratest tresure, and a fine read for the armchair traveller. Highly recommended."

Justine Marozzi, author of Tamerlane: Sword of Islam, Conqueror of the World

Bijan Omrani was educated at Wellington and later attended Lincoln College, Oxford. An accasional contributor to The Spectator, he is currently completing work on a guide to Iran, to be followed by an illustrated history of Iraq.

Matthew Leeming was educated at Trinity and Lincon Colleges Oxford. He is a regular contributor to The Spectator and other English newspaper and has lectured and broadcast on Afghanistan all over the world. He is currently chief executive of printing business.

£10.00