Description

Title: Himalaya
Author/Publisher: Michael Palin (W&N)
Publication Year: 2004
Format: 288-page Illustrated Hardcover with Dust Jacket

In this his most challenging journey, Michael Palin tackles the Himalaya, the greatest mountain range on earth, a virtually unbroken wall of rock stretching 1800 miles from the borders of Afghanistan to south-west China. Penetrated but never conquered, it remains the world's most majestic natural barrier, a magnificent wilderness that shapes the history and politics of Asia to this day.

Having risen to the challenge of seas, poles, dhows and deserts, the highest mountains in the world were a natural target for Michael Palin. In a journey rarely, if ever, attempted before, in 6 months of hard travelling Palin takes us on the full length of the Himalaya including the Khyber Pass, the hidden valleys of the Hindu Kush, ancient cities like Peshawar and Lahore, the mighty peaks of K2, Annapurna and Everest, the bleak and barren plateau of Tibet, the gorges of the Yangtze, the tribal lands of the Indo Burmese border and the vast Brahmaputra delta in Bangladesh.Facing altitudes as high as 17,500 feet as well as some of the world's deepest gorges, Palin also passed through political flashpoints like Pakistan's remote north-west frontier, terrorist-torn Kashmir and the mountains of Nagaland, only recently open to visitors. They had a brush with the Maoists while filming in Nepal and advice from the Dalai Lama before crossing into Tibet.

This book, compiled from his daries, records the pleasure and pain of an extraordinary journey. Basil Pao, the inspired photographer of Sahara, Full Circle and Pole to Pole, captures the sensational beauty of the finest mountain scenery in the world. This is adventure at the very highest level.

Synopsis

Michael Palin, the celebrated British adventurer and author, embarks on one of his most ambitious expeditions in 'Himalaya'. Published in 2004 by W&N, this first edition hardcover accompanies the acclaimed BBC television series, inviting readers on a profound journey across the world's most formidable mountain range.

This substantial 288-page volume, richly illustrated, documents Palin's traverse through the heart of the Himalayas, from Afghanistan's borders to south-west China. It explores this vast, virtually unbroken wall of rock – an enduring wilderness that has profoundly shaped the history and politics of Asia for millennia.

• An Epic Traverse: Follow Michael Palin's challenging 1,800-mile journey across the majestic Himalayas, navigating diverse landscapes and cultures from Afghanistan to China.
• Cultural Encounters: Discover the fascinating communities, traditions, and spiritual practices of the peoples who inhabit this remote and awe-inspiring region.
• Stunning Photography: The book is profusely illustrated, offering a visual feast of the breathtaking scenery, remote villages, and vibrant daily lives encountered during the expedition.

This first edition hardcover, with its compelling narrative and vivid illustrations, serves as both an immersive travelogue and a superb visual record. It appeals strongly to admirers of Michael Palin's distinctive travel writing and anyone captivated by the majesty and mystique of the Himalayan region.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Very Good condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

Specifications