In Search of Kazakhstan: The Land that Disappeared

New
Paperback
2008
$12.24

The only thing most people know about Kazakhstan is that it is homeland to Borat - and he isn't even real. Actually this vast place - the last unknown inhabited country in the world - is far more surprising and entertaining. For one thing, it is as varied as Europe, combining stupendous wealth, grinding poverty, exotic traditions and a mad dash for modernity. Crisscrossing a vanished land, Christopher Robbins finds Eminem by a shrinking Aral Sea, goes eagle-hunting, visits the scene of Dostoyevsky's doomed first love, takes up residence beside one-time neighbour Leon Trotsky and visits some of the most beautiful, unspoilt places on earth.

Synopsis

The only thing most people know about Kazakhstan is that it is homeland to Borat - and he isn't even real. Actually this vast place - the last unknown inhabited country in the world - is far more surprising and entertaining. For one thing, it is as varied as Europe, combining stupendous wealth, grinding poverty, exotic traditions and a mad dash for modernity. Crisscrossing a vanished land, Christopher Robbins finds Eminem by a shrinking Aral Sea, goes eagle-hunting, visits the scene of Dostoyevsky's doomed first love, takes up residence beside one-time neighbour Leon Trotsky and visits some of the most beautiful, unspoilt places on earth.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 304
Edition: Main
Publisher: Profile Books
Published: 10 Apr 2008
ISBN 10: 1861971095
ISBN 13: 9781861971098
Book Overview: Borat has got it all wrong. Kazakhstan is far more interesting and entertaining than he'd have us believe. In fact it's probably the most surprising country on earth, and certainly one of the most tolerant.

Media Reviews

...extremely entertaining and informative...hilarious. * Daily Telegraph *
cracking tale...both hysterically funny and surprisingly moving...you will savour every page. -- News of the World
Discovers a misunderstood and changing land ... a superlative addition to the literature of travel. * Observer *
Extremely entertaining and informative ... hilarious. * Independent *
... an entertaining and chatty guide to a country that has been shrouded in mystery. * Glasgow Herald *
A welcome antidote to the made up world of Borat. * The Times Magazine *

Author Bio

Christopher Robbins is the author of five non-fiction books, including the award-winning The Empress of Ireland. He became intrigued by Kazakhstan sitting on an aeroplane next to an American from Arkansas on his way there to collect an Internet bride.