Asia Books

When you think of an "explorer" you think of a guy like Hedin. From an early age he ventured again and again into large swatches of Asian geography where few or no Europeans had ever trod. Hedin graphically and realistically portrays his travels with such detail that you can feel the cold, the heat, the parched throats, the curious indigenous eyes and the scenery staggering in its beauty. When you come to the end of this book, you will be all "adventured" out, for on almost every page there is a suspenseful, fascinating episode. Hedin was truly an explorer's explorer. His greatness is dimmed, however, by his fervent support of Naziism during WWII. As someone has writen elsewhere, Hedin knew about the death camps and never disavowed them. He was a solid Nazi partisan. In an epilogue to this book, author and admirer Peter Hopkirk urges us to look at Hedin's many and major contributions and to forgive his pro-German activities in both world wars. I'm not quite willing to forgive, but I will segment my views of Hedin into Hedin the explorer and Hedin the Nazi sympathizer. Anyhow,if you're looking for a fascinating book about exploration in the most forbidding sectors of our planet at the turn of the 20th century, this is a book for you.

(This refers to the National Geographic Reprint edition)

This is truly a great book, full of the amazing adventures of an incredible explorer. You have to admire Hedin's determination and stubborness, although sometimes I wonder about his planning. It seems like every trip all his animals die, and the men are on the verge of starvation. And as for his trips in the desert, I would have thought the concept of "take some extra water" would have occured at some point!
Hedin is a fine writer, and his descriptions are not only accessible to the average reader, but often quite poetic as well.
Nevertheless, I only reluctantly give this a full 5 stars, because I feel that National Geographic missed a great opportunity to make this an almost perfect book, and it wouldn't have been that difficult to do. As a previous reviewer mentioned, some good maps could have helped. There's almost no excuse for NG not to have included some decent maps of Central Asia in their edition. Furthermore, one tends to forget (although Hedin mentions in the text), that he also took photographs on many of his travels. These might have been included as well. (To see some, refer to the Photos section of the website of the Sven Hedin Foundation, "http://www.etnografiska.se/hedinweb/htmsidor/organi.htm"). Aside from the simplistic drawings that are included, Hedin also did many detailed sketches and potraits on his travels. Now one can assume that none of these were included in the original, and this is only a reprint, but nevertheless, it is a missed opportunity. The introductory chapter by A.Brandt also adds little insight, and might as well have been left out as well.
However, despite the lost opportunities, this book is highly recommended.

The Swede Sven Hedin was the last great explorer we will see on this well-traveled planet. Hedin was born in 1865 and this autobiography describes his life up until 1908. Hedin's career was hardly finished, however, as he continued to traipse down the old Silk Road in Central Asia until the 1930s when he was 70 years old.

In a happy trait that should be copied by more auto-biographers, Hedin doesn't spend much time on his childhood. By the third page of his narrative he is 20 years old and off to the Caucasus Mountains which only whets his appetite for the little-known peaks and deserts of Tibet and Central Asia. He spent the years between 1893 and 1908 exploring these regions and filling in blank places on the map.

National Geographic's "Traveler" magazine put this book on its list of 100 best adventure books and, truly, the tales of Hedin's adventures make for good, exciting reading. Hedin displays both charm and generosity in his account. He traveled without the company of other Europeans and he enjoyed the companionship of his local helpers and the dogs he adopted along his way. He draws many clever portraits of the people he met in his travels. Hedin, however, was no mere adventurer. He was a serious, sober scholar who produced dozens of scientific studies of his findings.

One of the most hair raising tales in the book concerns Hedin's first expedition into the sands of the Takla Makhan (desert) of China in which he and his companions nearly died of thirst. A second high point of the book is the account of his attempt to visit Lhasa, the forbidden capital of Tibet. He failed after getting nearly to the gates of the city and was denied the honor of becoming the first foreigner to visit Lhasa in half a century. Amidst the plethora of adventures, the stoic Swede brushes over incidents others would consider high -- or low -- points of their lives. "Fever kept me in Kashgar a long while" is his complete description of one serious illness.

The book is illustrated with many of Hedin's drawings, including his hand drawn maps. I suggest that you read the book with a good modern map at hand so as to trace his routes with more precision as his constant tooing-and-froing can be confusing.

Smallchief

This is a tale wonderfully told of an explorer's quest to fill in the blank spots on the map of Asia. Not only does Hedin present a clear and highly entertaining view of his travels, but he also gives us a portrait of his character. He shows us that he is a man with high goals and is undeterred in achieving those goals, even when all odds are against him. He shows us that he is also a very caring man, very much concerned about the welfare of his men and his animals. He also is a man that is awestruck by nature and is very concerned about not unduly intruding upon it or unnecessarily destroying it.

But most of all, this is an adventure story that is just plain fun to read.

A suggestion to readers who are not very familiar with the geography of central Asia would be to have on hand some good maps as the ones Hedin draws are quite limited and often fail to give the perspective that may be desireable.

I concur with NDylanRay@aol.com. This book is exceptional. I could hardly put it down. You feel the excitement and intensity of his adventures, you begin to understand the force that drives him (and you respect him for it), and you meet the people and the places that make Turkestan and Tibet 100 years ago like no place that you could ever imagine.

With the New Territories of Hong Kong fast becoming home to massive housing developments, franchised restaurants, and even a Disneyland, it's great to have this book as a reminder of times past. While the story of British colonialism is not a happy one in many parts of the world, one finds in this book an account of a British reversal of fortune: Coates frequently finds himself lost and confused, and he freely admits that he was probably a failure as a magistrate.

What the post-1997 reader can glean from this book, apart from a description of rural Cantonese life, is a telling account of relations between the British Civil Service and those they ruled and administered. But beyond this, careful insights are made into the nature of the Cantonese/Chinese mind that cannot help but be beneficial, even today. Coates was a man that asked questions of everybody all the time, and he was very observant of his surroundings. More than simply one of the numerous (bad) attempts gwailous make to "explain" the Chinese to the uninitiated, he rather sets an example for other Westerners to follow: not to assume others think the same way, and to ask plenty of questions when one doesn't understand certain cultural points.

Most importantly, it's a very easy read. Pick it up before you fly to HK...you'll finish it before you land.

I agree with the other reviewers. This is an excellent book that will help gweilos understand the Cantonese (and, to a lesser extent, Chinese and Asians in general) a bit better. If you're a Westerner planning to move to Asia, this may help to prepare you for the experience of never quite knowing what the real problem is and never getting a straight answer (at least not the first 20 times you ask the question). I lived in Hong Kong for 6 years and can't say that I totally understand the mindset of the "locals", but this book helped. And it was fun to read! I had bought at least 5 copies by the time I left Hong Kong (most of which went to friends and family), and I wish that I had purchased more. It's a classic.

One reason this book is now unobtainable in Hong Kong is the number of copies I have bought and given (or had 'borrowed' by) friends over the years. Dated but entertaining, excellent account of living in HK, away from Mid-Levels and the expatriate lifestyle. Bob Howlett

This is a completely charming account of Austin Coates' period as a Special Magistrate in Hong Kong's New Territories. I've never read a foreigner who combines so well a frank portrayal of the difficulties in understanding the rural Cantonese mentality, with such sympathy. Coates comes at his subject with a singular highly intuitive vision, and it's impossible not to come away enriched.

This exceptionally well written book of anecdotes and personal experiences should be required reading for any Westerner visiting or conducting business in China or other countries where the Chinese culture subsists. At times humourous, at times tragic it leads the reader through a series of situations experienced by the author, an Englishman, as he plys his trade as a special magistrate in post-war Hong Kong. It has helped me to understand some of the more baffling moments of my life here in Hong Kong in the 1990s. Thoroughly recommended.

it is amazing that with all the hardship that these guys went thru, human nature can still make the best of an awful situation.

One of my first introductions to Australian and Far East reading of WW11, thoroughly enjoyable, could not put it down until it was finished. Would recommend this book to all generations. Has given me the taste to find out more about the Far East and familiarise myself with further Australian literature. Thought only John Pilger could write riveting literature, I was wrong!

The author went through some really horrific situations but at the same time can describe the strength of the human spirit. The author also has a great sense of humor. I think books like this are rare these days in our politically correct world. Well worth the read.

The Naked Island

The autobiography of a young australian soldier who spent long years in captivity as prisoner of war of the Japanese.
The first part is the description of the military life in Malaya before the attack of the Japanese with many ironical notes on that tedious life from the point of view of a soldier.
The second part is the description of the useless fight of the Australian and British troops against the overwhelming enemy and then the attempt to escape the capture.
Then the third, and most interesting part, is the description of the life during three long years of captivity in the different prisons where the writer was imprisoned and in the jungle camps where all prisoners were forced to work without food, facing malaria, beri beri and death for starvation.
A book I would really recommend.
Are you looking for another absolutely interesting book about a similar experience?
Read the famous "Behind bamboo" by Rohan Rivett

This is an unforgettable book: informative, educational, poignant and often delightfully humorous. It is a tribute to the British and Australian Forces used as slave labour in the construction of the Burma/Siamese Railway and their ability to live with dignity, compassion and decency under the most deplorable conditions imaginable. This book leaves an indelible impression on the reader and should be required reading for each successive generation.

I enjoyed following the experiences of Naomi, a young girl who,not very happily, moves with her mother from Canada to Japan for a year. As she slowly opens herself up to the many diverse customs of a new country she also discovers many inner strengths which help her bridge the way into adolescence. The writing is subtle, informative and opens a window into a fascinating world.

I absolutely loved this book. It helped me learn about Japan and it encouraged me to change my mind about things I was anxious to do. Before I read "Naomi" I considered sushi to be quite gross, but now I wonder what it was in the first place that made me hate sushi because it looks so yummy! The book encouraged me to try new things, and now I really want to study abroad when I get older and learn different languages.

In addition to a wonderful message, (keep an open mind and be ready to forgive people), the book is superbly written, with the characters being real and three-dimensional. Naomi is a great character, funny and witty, and her colorful host of friends and family make the book a joy to read.

You may have a tough time getting your hands on this book, but it is definitely worth a read. I highly recommend it.

I think this is one of the best stories I have read in a long time. I like the story of Naomi because I have also had to move to Hong Kong from the United States. Like Naomi, I didn't want to at first, but now I really like living in Asia, and learning all about a different culture. Any person who has to move, especially to a faraway place, will enjoy this book.

This book addresses so many of the issues faced by teens in the modern world - family fragmentation, multi-cultural relationships and faltering self esteem. Through the main character, Naomi, the reader sees how it is possible to overcome these obstacles and to forge on optimistically and confidently. It is a story that, despite being fiction, will strike a chord with teenagers and their parents the world over. It also gives an interesting insight into life for an expatriate in Japan.

when I read this book i was on my way to moving to the middle east from Canada. I could totally relate to everything Naomi was feeling and when I saw that she could adjust it made me feel like I could adjust too! And I have. This book helped me more than you can possibly know and I am very happy to have it. I reccommend this to everyone!

Although I originally read the book with the intention of sending a copy to my nephew, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the book. The fact that all the adventures were indeed true and happened to the author made the stories more exciting. The book is made up of many individual stories that made for easy reading and allowed me to read as much or as little as I wanted to at a time. A must read for kids or adults interested in adventure, history, military life, the boy scouts or the mischief one boy in a far away land can get into.

This is one of the best book I have read.It's adveture, funny and fun to read. You will just never put it down.

I am a contemporary of John's having been in the Philippines and at Clark AB during much of the same period he was. His stories are wonderful and very accurate in terms of relating what it was like being an American teen/pre-teen in the Philippines during that time frame.

Highly recommended both for the stories as is and as a history of a soon-to-be forgotten period of time for American military dependents.

What a wonderful story to read! I thoroughly enjoyed the book and can't wait for the day when my husband and I can share it with our family. In the meantime, my nieces and nephews will enjoy hearing the story!

Thanks, John, for sharing your childhood with us! It sounds like you have a very lovely family.

John Santacroce has written a wonderful book full of adventure, humor, and discovery. It's a page-turner for young readers as they share John's adventures growing up in the Philippines and learn something about historical events of the time. Younger baby boomers will also identify with the author's perspective of this era. Read this unique book and talk about it with your children! One of the many great features of this extremely well-written memoir is that it uses intelligent but conversational language, no profanity, and never "talks down" to its audience. It's loaded with an adventurous boy's observations and discoveries about a fascinating land. I guarantee this book will be a treasured addition to your library, and one that readers of all ages will enjoy!

This book was really good, like most of the other S.A.S.S. books. In this book, the main character, Nori, goes to Japan with other AP students and learns to love her Japanese heritage, though she loathes her "squinty eyes" at first when many of the other students assume that she is a native of Japan. This book actually taught me a lot about Japanese culture and Japanese landmarks I did not know about, in an interesting first-person detail. If you are looking for a quick, fun read in which you learn about new cultures and places, then this book (and the other S.A.S.S. books) are right for you.

If you like stories that about have adventure, Japan, or characters that you can relate to and go through real life situations problems then Now and Zen by Linda Gerber is the book for you. In the story Nori Tanaka, the sixteen year old main Japanese-American character from Ohio, goes to Japan through a Global Outreach Summit program, to get away from her parents constant arguing. She begins to feel considered an outsider by both the Native Japanese students because they know she is American and by the American students because they think she is Japanese.

For her break Nori goes to stay with her aunt and uncle, she calls Baba and Jiji, in Kyoto. Have you ever been to a traditional Japanese tea ceremony? Well Nori gets to experience this ancient ritual and starts to feel more connected to her roots. Nori also gets to go to the shrine the Ashikaga shogun built in ancient times. As you follow Nori through Japanese adventures and through her ups and downs you will begin to be sucked into the story not ready to put the book down.

As I read this book I felt I was right there with the character and the author drew you a picture of the bustling streets of Tokyo and the tranquil sites of Kyoto. I believe people from all ages will enjoy this book, because the author reels you into the story with just the beginning paragraph, "Seventeen hours. That's how long it takes to fly from Columbus, Ohio to Narita, Japan when you make three stops along the way. Seventeen long hours stuck on a plane with a bunch of losers. Not exactly the experience Nori had envisioned when he signed up for a summer abroad."

I loved Now and Zen. Linda Gerber creates a vivid and enriching sense of place. In addition, through effective dialog that works, she introduces us to well crafted characters from the 3-D Nori, Amberly, Michiko; Atsushi and Erik; Baba and Jiji, to keypal Val, who we also know pretty well. Our middle school library will need to purchase several copies, and they will deservedly fly off the shelves. M. Swist

This charming story takes Japanese-American Nori into the world of her family's past -- and what a world it is! While Nori explores Japan, she learns a few hard lessons both inside and outside of her overseas classroom. Japan through Nori's eyes is an amazing place, full of wonders both ancient and modern. Linda Gerber has produced an outstanding first novel with strong characters and a fast-paced storyline that makes it impossible to put down. This story is told with an honesty and sweetness that will captivate her readers. I can't wait for her next book!

Sixteen-year-old Noreli "Nori" Tanaka, will do absolutely anything to escape her parents constant bickering. So when the opportunity for her to leave her small, Powell, Ohio town and spend the summer in Tokyo, Japan arises, she leaps at it instantly. No, she's not interested in learning more about her culture; and she can't even bear the thought of having to sit in a classroom during her summer vacation, but the idea of being free from her parents for over a month is too good to resist. So, packing her bags, Nori heads off to the land of sushi, and high-tech gadgets with various other Americans enrolled in the S.A.S.S. (Students Across the Seven Seas) Global Outreach Program, and finds herself hating every minute of it. Nori's slanted eyes and jet black hair leave everyone believing that she is a native, and don't even question her regarding whether or not she's from the States. Not even the gorgeous, blonde student from Germany, Erik Sussmann. Erik is everything that Nori has ever looked for in a guy - smart, fun, and totally cute. But Erik seems to think of Nori as nothing more than "his Geisha." And, as if that weren't bad enough, he is convinced that Nori is a resident of Japan, and Nori can't find the heart to tell him the truth. After all, if she admits that she's just from America, Erik's feelings for her may change, and she doesn't want that. So, enlisting the help of one of her new friends (and Japan native), Atsushi Shiota, Nori begins working her background, tricking Erik into believing that she is the Japanese native that he thought she was - taking him on trips to shopping centers, and out to raging clubs, and fancy restaurants. But, the more Nori gets to know Erik, the more she is convinced that he likes her only because of her culture, and not because of the true her. Unfortunately, now that Nori has convinced Erik that she's a Tokyo native, she can't exactly go back on her word. That is, until she visits some of her true relatives for a week-long stay in their home, and experiences the truth about her culture for the first time. A truth that helps her embrace her Japanese roots, and find the Zen that is hidden underneath her strong facade.

For the past two weeks, I have been extremely interested in Asian mythology and Asian culture altogether. So when I came across Linda Gerber's NOW AND ZEN, I knew I had to read it. From page one Nori was a likable character. Though her slightly cynical perspective regarding her stay in Japan can get a little tiring, the maturity that she begins to display throughout the story really makes up for it, and gives her a vibe of a girl blooming into a young woman. Readers may be disappointed to see how often Nori puts down her bubbly, pink-loving roommate, Amberly. However, as the story continues, they will be happy to see Nori reevaluate who her true friends are, and make peace with those she once wrote off. Gerber has done a fabulous job of bringing Japan to life. Her descriptions of various marketplaces and restaurants are superb, and give the reader the feeling that they are biking the cobblestone paths right alongside Nori and her great aunt and uncle. I believe that, perhaps, the time Nori spends getting to know her relatives is one of the most enjoyable in the tale, and will really give readers a chance to see the importance of family, and develop an interest in learning more about their own ancestry. An addicting novel that leaves you craving your own jaunt through Japan!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

On page 74 Rev. Ishii infers that Sadako was the 14th death that year (1955) in her jr. high school. This is not correct. It may mean 14th in Hiroshima that year but that does not sound correct either. Sadako's brother confirmed she was not the 14th death in her school that year.

Are you the type or reader who enjoys reading about real people who fight through tough situations? Well, then this book is for you to read. This wonderful book was about a girl named Sadako who got radiation from the atomic bomb in World War II when she was only two years old. Sadako really loved school and was on a Bamboo Relay Team at her school. She had a race and when she was running, she started to get dizzy. She went to the hospital and turns out, she got the Atomic Bomb Disease. Sadako was really scared to die at a young age of 12 years old. Her friend came to visit her in the hospital, and she told Sadako that if you fold 1000 paper cranes, you get a wish from the gods. That made Sadako determined to fold 1000 paper cranes.

When I was reading this book, I couldn't stop reading it. I really got to know the main character, Sadako, and I liked her a lot. She had a ton of hope, determination, and courage to fold one thousand paper cranes so she can get better. She's an example to all the children who has diseases or illnesses. This book was such a powerful and inspirational book to me.

I learned from this book that you can truly accomplish your goals and dreams when you are going through something really difficult. Sadako showed readers this. It made me realize that I really can do anything I put my mind on. So readers, if you are tempted to read this very inspirational book, go ahead. Read it!

The theme of the book is that war kills innocent people and dropping an atomic bomb is unconscionable act that must never be repeated. The author actually went to Japan and stayed with Sadako's family in order research this book. It is well written. This book supplements the Eleanor Coerr version of the story. It gives additional information about what Sadako's leukemia was like for her and her family.

...this is the kind of book that continues to haunt you long after you put it down. I read this book in elementary school and then stumbled across it as an adult - even re-reading it as an adult, I was shocked by the descriptions of the damage done by the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

This book is a must-read. As an American, I believe that the atom bomb was a necessary evil to stop World War II; however, as a human, I believe the atom bomb was a horrible atrocity unleashed on millions of people, including a child named Sadako whose story is poignantly told here. This book is an eye-opener, a heart-wrencher and a beautiful story.

No matter what side you are on in the debate on the use of the atomic bombs during WWII, this is a "must read". As a science teacher, I read this book to my Advanced Chemistry class at the conclusion of our nuclear chemistry unit. However, I have yet been able to read it through without crying. And I have not been alone. Sadako's story should teach us all a lesson. My students may not remember the specifics of chain reactions or nuclear decay. But I guaruntee that they will remember Sadako's story. I want them to be informed citizens who make educated choices. One thing that history has shown us is that it repeats itself. What a horrible thought.......that another little girl become a "Sadako". I would hate to think that next time her name might be an American one......It chills me to the bone.

My daughters 6 and 2 request this book so often and still I never tire of reading it. I began the search for high quality childrens books when I could barely get through one sitting of 'Strawberry Shortcake Strikes Again!' or the equivalent. This book is a joy for reader and readee;)

This story is simply fantastic. I have read it to my children several times and they've enjoyed it the sixth as much as the first. I have taken the opportunity using this story to talk about cultures and traditions in a fun and exciting way.

My two boys, ages 2 and 5 love this book. Universal themes paired with beautiful Japanese art and poetry make it a winner.

It's lovely to see this book is back in print. I received a copy as a birthday gift when I was 5 years old (it was a new publication then!) and continue to treasure that same volume today. I also received a real pair of clogs from Japan about the same time, so the story took on even more meaning for me. I have an opportunity to teach a workshop in Japan in May about how our experiences are reflected in our artworks -- and this beautifully illustrated story which taught me so much about integrity, as well as Japanese culture, will be an important reference in my presentation. Simple lessons, so important to a child's character,kindly taught, DO last a lifetime! This is an important book for your child's library.

My mother recently mailed to me a 40 year-old copy of "A Pair of Red Clogs" that I had when I was small. I wept in recognition of the poignant, exquisite illustrations of this young girl's life in Japan which so delighted me as a very young child. I read it now to my two year-old son, who asks questions about "the weather-telling game" that cracked Mako's clogs. The story is character forming, but it's the illustrations that last a lifetime in memory.

This is a sweet book about a baby playing hide and seek with her father. It takes place in Thailand and they are playing around the yard. Animals are near and the sounds they make are on display too. Sweet book.

I bought this book for my 4yo and 2.5 yo, based on a recommendation from their Montessori school. Both kids love it, and I've since heard them using some of the animal "sounds" from the book in the course of their daily play. My little one loves finding the baby hiding on each page. I would also highly recommend the companion book -- Hush! A Thai Lullaby. We would give that one 6 stars!

The illustrations in this book are vivid and beautiful. A father and daughter play hide and seek in the Thai jungle, surrounded by wild animals and lush vegetation. My 18 month old loves searching for the little girl in all of her hiding places and then seeing the joy of the parent and child when they find each other at the end. What child doesn't enjoy a good game of peekaboo?

My daughter got this book for her second birthday. We had never heard of it before then. It is now her bedtime book, replacing Goodnight Moon. The story is pretty simple, but sweet. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. My daughter loves trying to find the baby on every page. Now that she knows where the baby is, she still plays and pretends with it. She likes to find the different animals, especially the "croc-oh-di-al." I plan to look at other books by this author and illustrator. I like that it's a daddy and daughter book too.

I bought this book just because my son loved Minfong Ho and Holly Meade's other book, "Hush! A Thai Lullaby." This one is very similar with a few differences. The illustrations are a little brighter! The father is interacting with his daughter in a game of peek-a-boo, rather than the mother hushing animals so her son can sleep! There are mostly different animals in this book with a couple of repeats. While the father is searching for his daughter he encounters a dog, dragonfly, rooster, snake, monkey, elephant, tiger, turtle, hornbill and crocodile! On each page the little girl is hiding and my 20 month old son loves to show you where she is! Beautiful illustrations with a fun interactive story are keys to a winner for my child. 5 stars again for Ho/Meade!

Despite the fact that I am a little over 3/4 through the book,"PLAIN TALES FROM THE RAJ" Images of British India in the Twetieth Century; as edited by Charles Allen, I can safely say:..... "Magnificient!"

"Pith helmets, oppressive heat, ball room dances, Calcutta women, and Bombay Gin...Here's to all who were there...cherio and chin chin chin!!"

If, you even have but an inkling of interest in the history of India, and or Great Britain...you need to read this book about real stories and real people. A superb book....an outstanding read!

just plain excellant,with a mason foreward to boot should be on every shelf on lndian history the final chapters were the best....thanks

BBC compiled this book with interviews from 60 Brits who had lived in India while it was still a British colony. India -- the jewel in the crown of the British empire --was deep in the consciousness of British society and generations of young, ambitious Brits sallied off to India to make their careers as civil servants, soldiers, merchants, or missionaries.

The book is organized by themes in each chapter. A chapter on households describes the homes and servants the British had, "The Club" tells of that famous British institution transferred to the sub-continent, "Hazard and Sport" is about polo, hunting, tennis, and pig-sticking. Every aspect of life in India is taken up in 21 chapters. It was not an easy life for the colonials, but it was impossibly exotic, witness the popularity of writers such as Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham. Rigid British notions of race and class fit well with Indian caste laws; otherwise India was as different from Great Britain as it could possibly be. That the colonial enterprise was rotten at the core was concealed by stiff upper lips and a government that was "probably the most incorruptible ever known."

"Plain Tales" includes a brief biography of each of the interviewees who represent a cross section of British society in India and a glossary of Anglo Indian words (pukka = proper). This book presents a bird's eye view of the life of British subjects in India and their interaction with their unwilling Indian hosts, the environment, and their fellows. It's all a really fascinating tale. And, finally, in 1947 when the British had to go, they threw their topees -- those ridiculous cork hats -- into the sea and returned to England and Home.

Smallchief

A gem of a book! Too often, stories of the experience of imperialism are scrubbed to fit in with more modern sensibilities instead of staying true to the authentic tale. This book is glorious for the truth of the voices and the attitudes, morals and viewpoints that were the norm for the time. Invaluable to understanding what life was really like, and what motivated those who were the Raj. This was a wonderful read, completely free from political correctness and censorship. Finally a book that seemed to tell the tale as it was. The book flows well, the stories are engaging, the language is crisp and clear, and valuable information is present on every page. There is no attempt to portray the people as anything other than who they were, they are allowed to tell their own stories. I'm very thankful that someone realised how valuable this material would be to future generations and took the steps to capture it while it was still available.

Pithy though this book is it will keep you glued and captivated. British individuals who were masters or participants in Colonial India talk frankly about what it was really like. Many of the people featured in this book like Deborah Dring, Reginald Savory and Philip Mason (who also introduces the volume) would now be dead. The voices were recorded for radio in the mid 1970s. Now the memoirs resurface like something out of a faraway fairytale.

Charles Allen, now getting on himself was originally put in charge of the recordings for a BBC radio series documenting the period of Colonial India between 1900 and 1948 from then living witnesses to a bygone age by Philip Mason. Thank goodness that Mason had the courage to launch this project which was regarded as somewhat politically incorrect even then. Allen is much suited to the task as the heir to a British family that lived and worked in Colonial India over several generations.

The stories reveal a peculiar breed - the very caricature of the English as they once were putting up an even more formal front than they would have at home as the rulers of India - few in number but ruling by prestige. Every part of the book reveals character, humour or history with priceless aphorisms spoken in true English style:

"You get these burning plains right across India, fifteen hundred miles of them, absolutely flat with revisers wandering through them fed by the snows, and behind them the greatest range of mountains in the world. You gradually go up from tropical ... climbs, through European and Alpine flora until you get right up into the snows. I don't think there is anything in life which is such a relief and such a physical delight as going from the heat of the plains in the hot weather up into the mountains"

This is just the tip of an iceberg of a series of sensational real life recordings, but there is more leaving aside some nice photographs, cartoons and sketches reproduced from period material. There are quotations from books such as by Maud Diver from her "The Englishwoman in India" 1909 and bits from period material:

"It is clearly to be understood that no one except on duty is allowed to accompany him and in no circumstances whatever are any ladies allowed to proceed to the border" (from a travel permit).

Practically every aspect of Indian Colonial life is examined up and down the hierarchy from the Viceroy down to corporals and Anglo Indians of mixed blood - though the book leaves you yearning for more - it is not an exhaustive treatment thankfully. We get a great sense for the climate, the "subjects", the pace of life, flirtation, gardening, travel and the rituals associated with that once prominent institution the Club. We look into the army barracks and the Mess -with some men deprived of women for five to seven years and how they bore it, and into the endless parties at Simla in Summer . There are also accounts of the profligacy of the times such as sport, hunts and shoots and the snobbery and segregation that accompanied Colonial life altering through the decades. However, with their power, the British seemed to have dispensed their responsibilities with aplomb - it was a miracle that they did so for so long.

This past best-seller is a must for those who wish to understand the English and Colonial India - it will deserve repeat readings and sharing with friends. A vital reference - precursor to famous TV dramatisations like "Jewel in the Crown".