An enthralling account of drama and adventure, and a telling portrait of Central Asia and its people. Commissioned by the Chinese to map a road through one of the most inhospitable regions of the world, Hedin began a journey which enmeshed him in the bloody war for independence that was raging in the province. Struggling through the war-torn land, he encountered rebel fighters and bandits, and was imprisoned and nearly executed.  (CAS169, $16.95)