This book is a fascinating insight into the author's journey along part of the Great Silk Road through Uzbekistan where he discovers a wealth of original and restored architecture dating back to the time when Genghis Khan came, conquered and destroyed it in the 13th century.
Local hero Temur (Tamerlane) rebuilt the stunning minarets, mosques, madrassahs and mausoleums to make it the centre of his great 14th century Empire.
The Russians and the British played out their 'Great Game' espionage activities there in the 19th century.
The country was part of the Soviet Union until its collapse in 1991 and since then, as an independent country, Uzbekistan is now able to show its historical and architectural treasures off the world.