Author: Christopher Kremmer
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year: 2002
Language: English
Pages: 447
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8172234430
Description
This work is the story of a remarkable ten-year journey across the world's most misunderstood and volatile region. But more vividly, it reveals Islam's human face, wrecked by turmoil, but sustained by friendship, industry and humor.
REVIEWS
This book is a standout for its lucid historical overviews and, more importantly, the dramatic, intimate depictions of daily life.
-Publishers Weekly (USA)
If you read no other non-fiction book post-September 11, don’t miss this one. At the very least it will make premature judgments impossible. It is also a source of vivid, unexpected pleasure-sharp as the air in the Afghan mountains.
-The Age (Australia)
His book could hardly be more topical…the section on Afghanistan should be required reading for everyone. The apparent conflict between Islam and the West puts the world on a dangerous road and Kremmer offers us some useful signposts.
-The Sydney Morning Herald
This is a big book at work on many levels, and so topical it is certain to become one of the publishing events of the year….More than ever, these are stories to test our sense of humanity … In good humour, Kremmer takes us Cross-legged on a panoramic ride.
-The Bulletin
Measured, informed and sympathetic…will likely stand head and shoulders above any that follow. Kremmer puts a human face on this region…by turns colourful, heartbreaking and horrifying…a heady mix of carpet appreciation, travel, adventure and geopolitics…will appeal to anyone who wants to know more than the simplistic good versus evil view of the War on Terrorism.
-Australian Bookseller and Publisher
If you have done your homework on Islam, the Taliban, Afghanistan and the geo-politics of the Middle East and want some real live people and their trials and tribulations to bring the sorry state of affairs to life, read Kremmer’s book. There is none better on the scene. You might even find a glimmer of hope.
-The Courier-Mail (Australia)
You will never pass lightly by or over a carpet again after reading this book… a spellbinding sense of landscape and history…I doubt you’ll find one more readable than this.
-Sunday Life Magazine (Australia)
There is magic in the carpet, as Krimmer explores its pervasive role as a barometer of human triumph and tribulation.
-The Australian
This compelling narrative is recommended for all libraries.
-Library Journal Review (USA)
Contents
Acknowledgments
Author’s Note
PART ONE: KABUL
The Rug Merchant of Kabul
Elephant’s Foot
A Day in the Countryside
Happy Fire
PART TWO: THE ROAD TO BALKH
The Red Carpet
Great Game
The Mother of Cities
The Taliban Cometh
Across the Amu Darya
PART THREE: KANDAHAR
Habib is Habib
Heroes and Villains
The Lost Tribe
Capital Punishment
PART FOUR : PESHAWAR
Cruise Control
Khyber Bazaar
Violence by Degree
The Siege of Attock Fort
PART FIVE: BAGHDAD
Late for the War
Tyranny, Hypocrisy, Bastardry and confusion
The Sheikh with One Million Camels
Babylon
PART SIX: TAJIKISTAN
Tragic Tajiks
A Warlord’s Holiday
Children of Adam and Eve
PART SEVEN: KASHMIR
Fire on the Lake
The Pashmina Conspiracy
An Afghan in Delhi
The Good Shepherds
PART EIGHT: THE DESERT OF HELL
The Gypsy Kilim
Death of the Nomads
A Prayer for Bad roads
PART NINE: ESFAHAN
Carpet Nation
Teahouse of the Misfit Moon
The Gates of Paradise
Epilogue
Notes
Bibliography and Suggested Reading
Glossary
Timeline
Index
Picture Credits
About the Author