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Title: The Great Game
Subtitle: The Struggle for Empire in Central Asia
Author: Peter Hopkirk
Narrator: Alex Wyndham
Format: Unabridged
Length: 17 hrs and 55 mins
Language: English
Release date: 08-29-17
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 68 votes
Genres: History, World
Publisher's Summary:
The Great Game between Victorian Britain and Tsarist Russia was fought across desolate terrain from the Caucasus to China, over the lonely passes of the Parmirs and Karakorams, in the blazing Kerman and Helmund deserts, and through the caravan towns of the old Silk Road - both powers scrambling to control access to the riches of India and the East. When play first began, the frontiers of Russia and British India lay 2000 miles apart; by the end, this distance had shrunk to 20 miles at some points. Now, in the vacuum left by the disintegration of the Soviet Union, there is once again talk of Russian soldiers "dipping their toes in the Indian Ocean."
The Washington Post has said that "every story Peter Hopkirk touches is totally engrossing." In this gripping narrative he recounts a breathtaking tale of espionage and treachery through the actual experiences of its colorful characters. Based on meticulous scholarship and on-the-spot research, this is the history at the core of today's geopolitics.
Critic Reviews:
"
The Great Game, as the Anglo-Russian struggle in Central Asia was called, unfolds in Hopkirk's intricate narrative as an incredible tale of high adventure and political intrigue, conveyed here through the exploits of Cossacks, Muslim guerrillas, courageous travelers, spies, mapmakers and soldiers." (
Publishers Weekly)
Members Reviews:
A bit biased against Russia.
Great brain was the more of a bully in the great game. Nevertheless this book was very well written researched and narrated.
By FAR the best book on this topic on Audbile
Would you listen to The Great Game again? Why?
yes, I plan to. very good narration and not only that very well written. I have listened to or tried to listen to other books on this topic, "Games without rules" mainly...and it is just not as well written and narration is nowhere as good as this one.
Any additional comments?
try this one first and foremost If interested in British attempts on domination of Afghanistan
Epic History
Truly astonishing examples of human courage and cruelty. Peter Hopkirk's writing brings the past vividly to life. The narration is top notch too.
history that reads like a novel
What did you love best about The Great Game?
The telling of the history in such an engaging way, by focusing on individuals and their roles
Who was your favorite character and why?
too many to mention. There's a succession of British explorers, tribal chieftains, Russians, all looking to win, basically, the game of thrones in central asia
What does Alex Wyndham bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?
Wyndham was masterful in his telling. I felt like I was listening to an actual observer, somehow watching all from above. Voice, inflection, pauses & emphasis all perfect.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
When 16,000 folks fled Kandahar for Jalalabad in winter. And only one, literally one, reached that fort.
Desperately Needs a PDF Map of Region at the Time
Very interesting account of the history of Central Asia during the period of the struggle for influence and dominance by Great Britain and Russia, but almost impossible to visualize the many campaigns and treks without the help of a map! Been using Google Maps, but some of the landmark names have changed over the years, so it remains difficult to follow.
