During the First World War the legendary lands of Central Asia became almost impossible for Europeans to visit. The Russian government, which controlled much of the area, refused to allow any foreigners entry on 'political' grounds. After the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution this policy was followed even more ruthlessly than before, with anyone who dared ignore it risking being summarily shot as a spy. This book follows Gustav Krist on what grew from the month-long trip which he planned to an epic sixteen-month odyssey. During the course of his perilous journey he was recognised and arrested by the Soviets, and yet survived to describe his travels.