Thanks to 20 years of civil war and its association with
terrorism, Afghanistan is now unjustly considered by many
in the West as a barbarous backwater. Afghanistan: A
Companion and Guide aims to dispel this image in a
comprehensive introduction to 3,500 years of Afghan
culture. Starting with a full history of the country from
1500 BC, each wonderfully illustrated chapter looks at
the major regions and cities, describing their
distinctive cultural and ethnic traditions, their
associations with poets, artists, travellers and holy
men, as well as warriors and conquerors. A number of
specialist essays by leading experts further present
topics such as archaeology, architecture, carpets,
miniature painting, food, music, flora and fauna.
Experienced Afghan traveller Matthew Leeming contributes
detailed information for those who intend to visit the
country, with guides to specific cities and areas, as
well as more general travel advice. This lavish
publication reveals an immense treasury of cultural,
historical and natural wealth too frequently forgotten
that is Afghanistan.