Travel guide Odyssey-Afghanistan - a companion and guide (2011)

This lavish publication reveals the immense treasury of cultural, historical and natural wealth of Afghanistan. A book for the armchair traveler and the student of the country as well as the visitor.

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 Guide aims to dispel this image in a comprehensive introduction to 3,500 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 cultural and ethnic traditions, their associations with poets, artists, travelers and holy men, 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 traveler Matthew Leeming contributes detailed information