The Silk Roads: A History of the Great Trading Routes Between East and West

Take an intrepid journey through the history of the Silk Roads with this visually stunning reference book. Traversing snowy mountain passes, vast, forbidding deserts and stormy seas, these ancient trade routes were about much more than the movement of goods, they paved the way for an unprecedented period of cultural exchange, diplomacy and conflict creating a legacy that continues to affect global geopolitics in the 21st century.

Geordie Torr guides us through the history and politics of these fabled routes while also celebrating the incredible feats of those who traversed them and the beauty of the routes themselves. Packed with timelines, maps and profiles on key figures and important cities, the book also features beautiful photography that faithfully conveys the diversity of nations as well as the enduring magic of travel.

Forged over millennia through a desire for enterprise, the Silk Roads have had an profound influence on Eurasia and beyond, connecting cultures, languages, customs and religions. And with China now working to reopen this ancient trade network, the time is right to shine a new light on its history and impact.

ABOUT THE SERIES: Sirius Visual Reference Library brings together wonderfully illustrated reference guides on scientific and historical topics, made bold and fascinating through full-color maps, timelines, photographs, feature boxes and other visual elements.

Covering a subject that is experiencing a new surge of global interest: The New Yorker recently published a portfolio on China's 'New Silk Road' in January 2018, stating that China is investing billions in building pathways to Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East Features timelines, maps, profiles on key figures and important cities and is also packed with beautiful photography of the many and diverse nations along these incredible routes

Geordie Torr is a freelance writer, photographer and editor based in Winchester, England. After studying at the University of Sydney and James Cook University, he worked on Australian Geographic, National Geographic Traveller Australia & New Zealand and was the editor of Geographical, the magazine of the Royal Geographical Society, for eight years. Since going freelance, Geordie has travelled the world, publishing articles on a variety of subjects relating to geography and travel.