Title
Black Dragon River: A Journey Down the Amur River at the Borderlands of Empires,Used
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Black Dragon River is a personal journey down one of Asia? great rivers that reveals the region? essential history and culture. The world? ninth largest river, the Amur serves as a large part of the border between Russia and China. As a crossroads for the great empires of Asia, this area offers journalist Dominic Ziegler a lens with which to examine the societies at Europes only borderland with east Asia. He follows a journey from the rivers top to bottom, and weaves the history, ecology and peoples to show a region obsessed with the pastand to show how this region holds a key to the complex and critical relationship between Russia and China today.One of Asia? mightiest rivers, the Amur is also the most elusive. The terrain it crosses is legendarily difficult to traverse. Near the river? source, Ziegler travels on horseback from the Mongolian steppe into the taiga, and later he is forced by the river? impassability to take the TransSiberian Railway through the fourhundredmile valley of water meadows inland. As he voyages deeper into the Amur wilderness, Ziegler also journeys into the history of the peoples and cultures the river? path has transformed.The known history of the river begins with Genghis Khan and the rise of the Mongolian empire a millennium ago, and the story of the region has been one of aggression and conquest ever since. The modern history of the river is the story of Russias push across the Eurasian landmass to China. For China, the Amur is a symbol of national humiliation and Western imperial land seizure; to Russia it is a symbol of national regeneration, its New World dreams and eastern prospects. The quest to take the Amur was to be Russia? route to greatness, replacing an oppressive European identity with a vibrant one that faced the Pacific. Russia launched a grab in 1854 and took from China a chunk of territory equal in size nearly to France and Germany combined. Later, the region was the site for atrocities meted out on the Russian far east in the twentieth century during the Russian civil war and under Stalin.The long shared history on the Amur has conditioned the way China and Russia behave toward each otherand toward the outside world. To understand Putin? imperial dreams, we must comprehend Russia? relationship to its far east and how it still shapes the Russian mind. Not only is the Amur a key to Putinism, its history is also embedded in an ongoing clash of empires with the West.
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- Q: How many pages does 'Black Dragon River' have? A: This book has three hundred sixty-eight pages. It provides an in-depth exploration of the Amur River's history and culture.
- Q: What is the binding type of 'Black Dragon River'? A: The binding type is hardcover. This ensures durability and makes it suitable for repeated reading.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The dimensions are six point five inches in length, one point five inches in width, and nine point seven five inches in height. These measurements make it a manageable size for reading.
- Q: What themes are explored in 'Black Dragon River'? A: The book explores themes of history, culture, and the geopolitical relationship between Russia and China. It provides insights into the Amur River's significance.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Black Dragon River'? A: The author is Dominic Ziegler. He is a journalist with a focus on Asia and its complexities.
- Q: What age group is 'Black Dragon River' suitable for? A: This book is suitable for adults and older teens. It contains historical analysis and cultural insights that require mature understanding.
- Q: How should I store 'Black Dragon River' to keep it in good condition? A: Store the book in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve its cover and pages.
- Q: Can I clean the hardcover of 'Black Dragon River'? A: Yes, you can gently wipe the hardcover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions to prevent damage.
- Q: Is there any hazardous material in 'Black Dragon River'? A: No, there are no hazardous materials in this book. It is printed using standard publishing materials.
- Q: What should I do if 'Black Dragon River' arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the retailer for return options or a replacement. Most sellers have a policy for damaged items.
- Q: How does 'Black Dragon River' compare to other books about Asia? A: This book uniquely combines personal narrative with historical analysis. Unlike many travel logs, it deeply explores the geopolitical implications of the Amur River.
- Q: Is 'Black Dragon River' available in any other formats? A: Currently, it is available in hardcover format. There may be future releases in digital or paperback formats.
- Q: What is the main focus of 'Black Dragon River'? A: The main focus is the journey along the Amur River and its historical significance between Russia and China. It provides a personal as well as a political perspective.
- Q: Does 'Black Dragon River' include maps or illustrations? A: The book does not specifically mention maps or illustrations. It primarily focuses on text to convey its narrative.
- Q: How can I enhance my reading experience of 'Black Dragon River'? A: To enhance your reading experience, consider researching the historical context of the Amur River. Engaging with related articles or documentaries can provide deeper insights.