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DK Eyewitness Top 10 Beijing (Pocket Travel Guide)
Par Dk Eyewitness. 2019
From the Forbidden City and Summer Palace to the Great Wall of China, this guide showcases the best places China's…
capital city has to offer. Eight easy-to-follow itineraries explore the city's most interesting sights, such as contemporary art galleries and buzzing night markets. Also included are reviews of the best hotels, shops, and restaurants in Beijing to help you plan your perfect trip.True to its name, DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Top 10 Beijing covers all the major sights and attractions in easy-to-use "top 10" lists that help you plan the vacation that's right for you. • Itineraries help you plan your trip. • Top 10 lists feature off-the-beaten-track ideas, along with standbys like the top attractions, shopping, dining options, and more. • Comprehensive laminated pull-out map includes color-coded design, public transportation maps, and street indexes. • Maps of walking routes show you the best ways to maximize your time. • Additional maps marked with sights from the guidebook are shown on inside cover flaps, with selected street index and metro map. The perfect pocket-size travel companion: DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Top 10 Beijing.Series Overview: DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Top 10s are handy travel guides that take the work out of planning a trip. Packed with amazing ideas, informative maps, insider tips, and useful advice, DK's Top 10 guides lead you to the very best your destination has to offer. The pocket size make these the perfect guide to take on vacation. Discover the history, art, architecture, and culture of your destination through Top 10 lists, from the best museums, bars, and sights to the places to avoid.DK Eyewitness Top 10 Seoul (Pocket Travel Guide)
Par Dk Eyewitness. 2022
One of Asia's cultural capitals, Seoul is the perfect blend of traditional and modern, and is both fashion hub and…
food lover's paradise. Your DK Eyewitness Top 10 travel guide ensures you'll find your way around this dynamic city with absolute ease.Our regularly updated Top 10 travel guide breaks down the best of Seoul into helpful lists of ten - from our own selected highlights to the best museums and galleries, and the most authentic restaurants, tearooms, bars, shops and markets.You'll discover:• Seven easy-to-follow itineraries, perfect for a day trip, a weekend, or a week• Detailed Top 10 lists of Seoul's must-sees, including comprehensive descriptions of the Gyeongbok, Changdeok and Changgyeong palaces, the fascinating neighbourhoods of Insadong, Dongdaemun and Buamdong; the National Museum of Korea, Nam Mountain, Bukhansan National Park, Bukchon Hanok Village, and the nearby city of Gwacheon• Seoul's most interesting areas, with the best places for shopping, going out and sightseeing • Inspiration for different things to enjoy during your trip - including culinary highlights, festivals and celebrations, hidden gems off the beaten track, and great things to do for free • A laminated pull-out map of Seoul and its environs, plus five full-color neighborhood maps• Streetsmart advice: get ready, get around, and stay safe• A lightweight format perfect for your pocket or bag when you're on the moveDK Eyewitness Top 10 Tokyo (Pocket Travel Guide)
Par Dk Eyewitness. 2021
Tokyo is a city of complementary contrasts – a truly modern metropolis where futuristic architecture and cutting-edge technology stand shoulder-to-shoulder…
with ancient temples and centuries-old art and craft traditions. Your DK Eyewitness Top 10 travel guide ensures you&’ll find your way around Tokyo with absolute ease.Our newly updated Top 10 travel guide breaks down the best of Tokyo into helpful lists of ten — from our own selected highlights to the best museums and art galleries, places to eat, shops and events. You'll discover: • Nine easy-to-follow itineraries, perfect for a day-trip, a weekend, or a week • Detailed Top 10 lists of Tokyo&’s must-sees, including detailed breakdowns of the Imperial Palace Grounds, Senso-ji Temple, the Sumida River, the Edo-Tokyo Museum, Ueno Park, the Tokyo National Museum, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, the Meiji Shrine, Yanaka and Odaiba Island • Tokyo&’s most interesting areas, with the best places for shopping, going out, and sightseeing • Inspiration for different things to enjoy during your trip – including children&’s activities, things to do for free and unmissable experiences off the beaten path • A free laminated pull-out map of Tokyo featuring a subway map, plus seven color neighborhood maps • Streetsmart advice: get ready, get around, and stay safe • A lightweight format perfect for your pocket or bag when you&’re on the move DK Eyewitness Top 10s have been helping travellers to make the most of their breaks since 2002. Staying for longer and looking for a more comprehensive guide? Try our DK Eyewitness Tokyo or DK Eyewitness Japan.DK Eyewitness Top 10 Singapore (Pocket Travel Guide)
Par Dk Eyewitness. 2022
Home to the lush Singapore Botanic Gardens, ornate historic architecture andtowering skyscrapers, Singapore embraces the new and the old, all…
with sustainability at its heart.Make the most of your trip to this tropical city-state with DK Eyewitness Top 10. Planning is a breeze with our simple lists of ten, covering the very best that Singapore has to offer and ensuring that you don&’t miss a thing. Best of all, the pocket-friendly format is light and easily portable; the perfect companion while out and about. Our updated 2022 travel guide brings Singapore to life. DK Eyewitness Top 10 Singapore is your ticket to the trip of a lifetime. Inside DK Eyewitness Singapore you will find: Up-to-date information with insider tips and advice for staying safeTop 10 lists of Singapore&’s must-sees, including National Museum of Singapore, Thian Hock Keng Temple, Marina Bay and SentosaSingapore&’s most interesting areas, with the best places for sightseeing, food and drink, and shoppingThemed lists, including the best national parks and gardens, arts venues, architectural sights, museums and much moreEasy-to-follow itineraries, perfect for a day trip, a weekend, or a weekA laminated pull-out map of Singapore, plus five full-color area mapsAbout DK Eyewitness: At DK Eyewitness, we believe in the power of discovery. We make it easy for you to explore your dream destinations. DK Eyewitness travel guides have been helping travellers to make the most of their breaks since 1993. Filled with expert advice, striking photography and detailed illustrations, our highly visual DK Eyewitness guides will get you closer to your next adventure. We publish guides to more than 200 destinations, from pocket-sized city guides to comprehensive country guides. Named Top Guidebook Series at the 2020 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, we know that wherever you go next, your DK Eyewitness travel guides are the perfect companion.DK Eyewitness Tokyo (Travel Guide)
Par Dk Eyewitness. 2023
Explore the busy streets, exciting food, and historic sights of Tokyo. Learn the must-sees of this amazing capital city.Discover DK…
Eyewitness Travel Guide: Tokyo. • Detailed itineraries and "don't-miss" destination highlights at a glance. • Illustrated cutaway 3-D drawings of important sights. • Floor plans and guided visitor information for major museums. • Guided walking tours, local drink and dining specialties to try, things to do, and places to eat, drink, and shop by area. • Area maps marked with sights. • Detailed city maps include street finder indexes for easy navigation. • Insights into history and culture to help you understand the stories behind the sights. • Hotel and restaurant listings highlight DK Choice special recommendations. With hundreds of full-color photographs, hand-drawn illustrations, and custom maps that illuminate every page, DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Tokyo truly shows you this city as no one else can.Series Overview: For more than two decades, DK Eyewitness Travel Guides have helped travelers experience the world through the history, art, architecture, and culture of their destinations. Expert travel writers and researchers provide independent editorial advice, recommendations, and reviews. With guidebooks to hundreds of places around the globe available in print and digital formats, DK Eyewitness Travel Guides show travelers how they can discover more.DK Eyewitness Travel Guides: the most maps, photographs, and illustrations of any guide.A look at the wonders of Japan and what makes this country and their culture so interesting and unique.Find out…
all about Japan with this nonfiction reading book for children. Packed with facts, DK's Welcome to Japan will make learning to read fun and engaging for kids. Children will discover all about Japanese calligraphy, the cherry blossom festival, and Mount Fuji. These amazing facts are paired with incredible images of the Japanese landscape, providing an ideal balance of words and images for young learners.Welcome to Japan is a new Level 1 title in the four-level DK Readers series, aimed at children who are beginning to learn to read. DK Readers cover a vast range of fascinating subjects to support children as they learn to read, making these books an ideal starting point for developing a lifelong love of reading.DK Eyewitness Bali and Lombok (Travel Guide)
Par Dk Eyewitness. 2022
Whether you want to trek volcanic Mount Rinjani, surf the Bukit Peninsula or visit holistic healers in Ubud, your DK…
Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that Bali and Lombok have to offer.Two neighboring islands nestled in the Indonesian archipelago, Bali and Lombok are blessed with a wealth of natural beauty. And with each island offering its own distinct identity and rich culture, this double-destination has something for everyone. Explore the myriad wildlife in Bali&’s Barat National Park, island-hop between the Gili Isles of Lombok, or relax on the tranquil island of Nusa Lembongan.Our updated 2022 travel guide brings Bali and Lombok to life, transporting you there like no other travel guide does with expert-led insights, trusted travel advice, detailed breakdowns of all the must-see sights, photographs on practically every page, and our hand-drawn illustrations which place you inside the region's iconic buildings and neighborhoods. DK Eyewitness Bali and Lombok is your ticket to the trip of a lifetime. Inside DK Eyewitness Bali and Lombok you will find: - A fully-illustrated top experiences guide: our expert pick of Bali and Lombok&’s must-sees and hidden gems- Accessible itineraries to make the most out of each and every day- Expert advice: honest recommendations for getting around safely, when to visit each sight, what to do before you visit, and how to save time and money- Color-coded chapters to every part of Bali and Lombok- Practical tips: the best places to eat, drink, shop and stay- Detailed maps and walks to help you navigate the region country easily and confidently - Covers: South Bali, Central Bali, East Bali, North and West Bali, LombokAbout DK Eyewitness: At DK Eyewitness, we believe in the power of discovery. We make it easy for you to explore your dream destinations. DK Eyewitness travel guides have been helping travellers to make the most of their breaks since 1993. Filled with expert advice, striking photography and detailed illustrations, our highly visual DK Eyewitness guides will get you closer to your next adventure. We publish guides to more than 200 destinations, from pocket-sized city guides to comprehensive country guides. Named Top Guidebook Series at the 2020 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, we know that wherever you go next, your DK Eyewitness travel guides are the perfect companion.Japan: The Natural History of an Asian Archipelago (Wildlife Explorer Guides #18)
Par Mark Brazil. 2022
A comprehensive, richly illustrated guide to Japan’s astonishing animals and plants—and the natural forces that have shaped themThis richly illustrated…
guide is the first comprehensive and accessible introduction to the extraordinary natural history of the Japanese archipelago. It explains how Japan’s geology, geography, climate, seas and currents have forged conditions supporting a diverse range of species—from cranes, bears, eagles and monkeys to plants, butterflies, dragonflies, frogs and snakes—many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Engaging and authoritative, this book is a must-have for anyone who wants to explore or learn about Japan’s natural wonders, from the Japanese Macaque—the famous snow monkeys—to the magnificent Steller’s Eagle.Features more than 878 colour photographs, illustrations and mapsProvides a lavishly illustrated introduction to many of Japan’s common and iconic mammals and birdsTakes readers on a naturalist’s journey to the key areas of Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku and Nansei Shoto, as well as the Izu, Ogasawara and Iwo islandsIntroduces Japan’s geology, geography, topography, climate, habitats, biodiversity and much moreExplains where and how to watch and photograph wildlife in Japan, including whalesModern Japan: All That Matters (All That Matters)
Par Jonathan Clements. 2014
Jonathan Clements charts the rise of Japan since the end of World War Two. Presenting the country as the Japanese…
themselves see it, he explains key issues in national reconstruction, the often-overlooked US Occupation, the influence of the Cold War, student unrest, political scandals, and the meteoric rise and sudden fall of the Japanese economy in the late 20th century.He chronicles changes in women's rights and consumer habits, developments in politics, education and health today, and the shadow of nuclear issues from Hiroshima to Fukushima. He also raises topics rarely covered by the foreign media - Japan's ethnic minorities and burakumin underclass, the influence of organised crime and the hard sell behind "soft" power.A final chapter examines the price Japan has paid for its meteoric rise, the problems of a greying population and a declining countryside, and the long-term implications of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.All That Matters about modern Japan. All That Matters books are a fast way to get right to the heart of key issues.Modern Korea: All That Matters Ebook (All That Matters)
Par Andrew Salmon. 2014
In no nation on earth has history accelerated with such speed as in Korea. A medieval dynasty at the end…
of the 19th century, it underwent a traumatic colonization, then, in its hour of liberation was divided by the great powers at the end of World War II. Devastated by a fratricidal war, the peninsula has remained divided ever since.South Korea is the greatest national success story of the 20th century. From the ashes of war, it transformed itself, against the odds - and against much advice - into an industrial powerhouse and thriving democracy. Now a high-tech wonderland, it is undergoing social and cultural transformations that add further layers to its dynamic DNA.North Korea is an economic, social and political disaster, successful only at totalitarianism. Having transmogrified from a blood-and-iron communist dictatorship into a bizarre, neo-fascist monarchy, it is a black hole at the heart of Asia. Engulfed by paranoia, the regime presides over a malnourished populace, a 1.1 million man army and a nuclear arsenal. From nuclear missiles to Samsung smartphones; from assassins to salarymen; from Kim Il-sung to Psy; this is the extraordinary story of the flashpoint peninsula that dominates talk in boardrooms and newsrooms. Korea, the author argues, provides two stark benchmarks for national development: Epic success and catastrophic failure. And its final chapter has yet to be written.A Kid's Guide to the Chinese Zodiac is a charming, fun-filled introduction to eastern astrology, perfect for discovering what your sign—Rat,…
Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, or Pig—says about you. Are you loyal like the Dog? Or stubborn like the Ox? What does the time you were born say about who you are? Can knowing more about your Zodiac empower you in your day to day? A Kid's Guide to the Chinese Zodiac offers the history and lore behind this ancient classification system, along with practical advice for young readers on how to navigate relationships and apply oneself at school and at home, all based on the qualities associated with the twelve Zodiac animals. Someone born in the year of the Pig might prioritize stability and comfort. Naturally agreeable, they may need to work at recognizing when they're uncomfortable and speak up so they don't get stuck in the mud. Someone who is a Rat, on the other hand, might be ambitious and clever, but may need to take a step back from their own ideas every now and then in order to find balance. Beautifully illustrated, with sidebars on Chinese culture and myth throughout, this book is an informative and mystical guide for any kid who is curious about the universe and how they fit into it.Strange Stones: Dispatches from East and West
Par Peter Hessler. 2013
Full of unforgettable figures and an unrelenting spirit of adventure, Strange Stones is a far-ranging, thought-provoking collection of Peter Hessler’s…
best reportage—a dazzling display of the powerful storytelling, shrewd cultural insight, and warm sense of humor that are the trademarks of his work.Over the last decade, as a staff writer for The New Yorker and the author of three books, Peter Hessler has lived in Asia and the United States, writing as both native and knowledgeable outsider in these two very different regions. This unusual perspective distinguishes Strange Stones, which showcases Hessler’s unmatched range as a storyteller. “Wild Flavor” invites readers along on a taste test between two rat restaurants in South China. One story profiles Yao Ming, basketball star and China’s most beloved export, another David Spindler, an obsessive and passionate historian of the Great Wall. In “Dr. Don,” Hessler writes movingly about a small-town pharmacist and his relationship with the people he serves.While Hessler’s subjects and locations vary, subtle but deeply important thematic links bind these pieces—the strength of local traditions, the surprising overlap between apparently opposing cultures, and the powerful lessons drawn from individuals who straddle different worlds.Country Driving: A Chinese Road Trip
Par Peter Hessler. 2010
“Hessler has a marvelous sense of the intonations and gestures that give life to the moment.” —The New York Times…
Book ReviewFrom Peter Hessler, the New York Times bestselling author of Oracle Bones and River Town, comes Country Driving, the third and final book in his award-winning China trilogy. Country Driving addresses the human side of the economic revolution in China, focusing on economics and development, and shows how the auto boom helps China shift from rural to urban, from farming to business.The Longevity Plan: Seven Life-Transforming Lessons from Ancient China
Par John D. Day, Jane Ann Day, Matthew LaPlante. 2017
From a renowned Johns Hopkins- and Stanford-educated cardiologist at Intermountain Medical Center—a hospital system that President Obama has praised as…
an "island of excellence"—comes the story of his time living in Longevity Village in China, and the seven lessons he learned there that lead to a happy, healthy, long lifeAt forty-four, acclaimed cardiologist John Day was overweight and suffered from insomnia, degenerative joint disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. On six medications and suffering constant aches, he needed to make a change. While lecturing in China, he’d heard about a remote mountainous region known as Longevity Village, a wellness Shangri-La free of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, dementia, depression, and insomnia, and where living past one hundred—in good health—is not uncommon.In the hope of understanding this incredible phenomenon, Day, a Mandarin speaker, decided to spend some time living in Longevity Village. He learned everything he could about this place and its people, and met its centenarians. His research revealed seven principles that work in tandem to create health, happiness, and longevity—rules he applied to his own life. Six months later, he’d lost thirty pounds, dropped one hundred points off his cholesterol and twenty-five points off his blood pressure, and was even cured of his acid reflux and insomnia. In 2014 he began a series of four-month support groups comprised of patients who worked together to apply the lessons of Longevity Village to their lives. Ninety-two percent of the participants were able to adhere to their plans and stay on pace to reach their health goals.Now Dr. Day shares his story and proven program to help you feel sharper, more motivated, productive, and pain-free. The Longevity Plan is not only a fascinating travelogue but also a practical, accessible, and groundbreaking guide to a better life.DK Eyewitness Japan (Travel Guide)
Par Dk Eyewitness. 2023
Whether you want to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto, speed through the countryside aboard a shinkansen, or shop til you…
drop in futuristic Shibuya, your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all Japan has to offer. Japan is a land of contrast – think tranquil zen gardens and peaceful pagodas, neon-lit cities and robot restaurants. Cities might be the first things that spring to mind when you think of Japan, but the countryside is just as epic. There&’s the iconic Mount Fuji, bubbling hot springs, unspoiled beaches and adrenaline-packed ski resorts. And if that wasn&’t enough to entice you to visit, there&’s the food – unctuous noodles, delicate sushi and warming hotpots.Our updated guide brings Japan to life, transporting you there like no other travel guide does with expert-led insights, trusted travel advice, detailed breakdowns of all the must-see sights, photographs on practically every page, and our hand-drawn illustrations which place you inside the country's iconic buildings and neighborhoods. DK Eyewitness Japan is your ticket to the trip of a lifetime. Inside DK Eyewitness Japan you will find: - A fully-illustrated top experiences guide: our expert pick of Japan&’s must-sees and hidden gems- Accessible itineraries to make the most out of each and every day- Expert advice: honest recommendations for getting around safely, when to visit each sight, what to do before you visit, and how to save time and money- Color-coded chapters to every part of from Tokyo to Kyoto City, Hokkaido to Okinawa- Practical tips: the best places to eat, drink, shop and stay- Detailed maps and walks to help you navigate the region country easily and confidently - Covers: Central Tokyo, Northern Tokyo, Western Tokyo, Farther Afield, Central Honshu Kyoto City, Western Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa, Northern Honshu, HokkaidoOnly visiting Tokyo? Try our DK Eyewitness Tokyo.About DK Eyewitness: At DK Eyewitness, we believe in the power of discovery. We make it easy for you to explore your dream destinations. DK Eyewitness travel guides have been helping travelers to make the most of their breaks since 1993. Filled with expert advice, striking photography and detailed illustrations, our highly visual DK Eyewitness guides will get you closer to your next adventure. We publish guides to more than 200 destinations, from pocket-sized city guides to comprehensive country guides. Named Top Guidebook Series at the 2020 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, we know that wherever you go next, your DK Eyewitness travel guides are the perfect companion.Shanghai: Life, Love and Infrastructure in China's City of the Future
Par Stephen Grace. 2010
Shanghai is the most modern and dynamic city in China. In preparation for hosting the World Expo 2010, a World's…
Fair in the grand tradition of international fairs and expositions, the megalopolis embarked on an overhaul to transform itself from the "Pearl of the Orient" into the "City of the Future." Here, the world's tallest buildings soar, the planet's longest bridges span toxic waterways, and the fastest train on earth rockets the city from its storied past toward a future that seems, by turns, either as bright or as hideous as the lights that set the hazy sky aglow each night. At a time when interest in China has seen a sharp increase that shows no signs of abating, Shanghai places China's development and its effects on the world into context by explaining how the country arrived where it is today and why it is building massive infrastructure projects with tremendous social and environmental impact. Shanghai provides an intimate look inside a mega-city heaving with change and offers essential insight into the challenges of remaining human in an increasingly urbanized world.Rising Water: The Story of the Thai Cave Rescue
Par Marc Aronson. 2019
The incredible true story of the twelve boys trapped with their coach in a flooded cave in Thailand and their…
inspiring rescue—as seen in Ron Howard's Thirteen Lives.On June 23, 2018, twelve members of the Wild Boars soccer team and their coach were exploring the Tham Luang cave complex in northern Thailand when disaster struck. A rainy season downpour flooded the tunnels, trapping them as they took shelter on a shelf of the dark cave. Eight days of searching yielded no signs of life, but on July 2 they were discovered by two British divers. The boys and their coach were eventually rescued in an international operation that took three days. What could have been a terrible tragedy became an amazing story of survival.Award-winning author Marc Aronson brings us the backstory behind how this astounding rescue took place. Rising Water highlights the creative thinking and technology that made a successful mission possible by examining the physical, environmental, and psychological factors surrounding the rescue. From the brave Thai Navy SEAL who lost his life while placing oxygen tanks along the passageways of the cave, to the British divers that ultimately swam the boys to safety, to the bravery of the boys and their coach, this is the breathtaking rescue that captivated the entire world.India on a Plate!: Indian Food from A to Z
Par Archana Sreenivasan. 2024
Spicy or tangy, savory or sweet—let&’s meet some Indian foods from A to Z! Warning: this book might make you…
very hungry!Fry, simmer, sauté, and create.I&’ll try them all. I can&’t wait!You can&’t fit India on a plate!Kids love learning about food, they need to learn their ABC's, and this mouth-watering alphabet book covers both in the most delicious way! From spicy achaar to sweet zafrani pulao, flip through food from every corner of India, for all kinds of occasions. Author/illustrator Archana Sreenivasan brings each dish to life with playful rhyming text and bright, engaging illustrations.Taro Gomi's Big Book of Words
Par Taro Gomi. 2024
Learning new words and phrases has never been so fun—and funny! Taro Gomi introduces toddlers to first words in unforgettable…
ways: From flowers to a face, to greetings and games, this one-of-a-kind collection not only provides first-word basics but a fresh and fun-filled approach all while letting the youngest of readers "travel" to Japan through its pages. At once a first word and phrases primer and an introduction to new people and places, this content-rich collection will be treasured by kids and caregivers alike.A STAND-OUT GIFT: Just right for birthdays, baby showers, and any giving occasion! A one-of-a-kind art style and unique take on a first-words book for toddlers and babies make this collection a must-have as well as a treasured keepsake.TARO IS THE BEST TEACHER: From Everyone Poops to I Know Numbers!, kids love learning from Taro Gomi! With quirky and expressive illustrations paired with first words and phrases, young children will build their vocabulary while learning about the exciting world around them. PACKED WITH HUMOR: With Taro Gomi's attention to detail, each page captures countless laugh-out-loud moments sure to make this book a fan favorite.FOCUS ON FIRST WORDS AND FEELINGS: This book is a powerful and important springboard, modeling first words and providing important social-emotional learning by allowing kids to talk about their emotions and inner life.Perfect for:Fans of Taro Gomi's Everyone Poops and other bestselling children's booksGift givers seeking a book for babies and toddlers who are starting to learn new wordsTeachers and librarians looking for fun, engaging books that teach children a wide variety of wordsReaders of Richard Scarry books, First 100 Words, and other popular alphabet and early learning books for kidsEmpires of the Indus
Par Alice Albinia. 2024
10th anniversary edition with new PrefaceOne of the largest rivers in the world, the Indus rises in the Tibetan mountains,…
flows west across northern India and south through Pakistan. For millennia it has been worshipped as a god; for centuries used as a tool of imperial expansion; today it is the cement of Pakistans fractious union. Five thousand years ago, a string of sophisticated cities grew and traded on its banks. In the ruins of these elaborate metropolises, Sanskrit-speaking nomads explored the river, extolling its virtues in Indias most ancient text, the Rig-Veda. During the past two thousand years a series of invaders - Alexander the Great, Afghan Sultans, the British Raj - made conquering the Indus valley their quixotic mission. For the people of the river, meanwhile, the Indus valley became a nodal point on the Silk Road, a centre of Sufi pilgrimage and the birthplace of Sikhism. Empires of the Indus follows the river upstream and back in time, taking the reader on a voyage through two thousand miles of geography and more than five millennia of history redolent with contemporary importance.