A review by dandelionfluff
Journeys on the Silk Road: A Desert Explorer, Buddha's Secret Library, and the Unearthing of the World's Oldest Printed Book by Conrad Walters, Joyce Morgan

4.0

Though the beginning is a bit slow, once you get into the midst of discovery, things really draw you in. I had been under the impression that the first book coincided with the first printing press, but oh no-- the Diamond Sutra is indeed the first book. A very good read for anyone interested in archeology, anthropology, or who want to understand just what early twentieth century scholars were up against. And the Germans, man! I thought Indiana Jones was just making them into twisty-mustache villains, but they really were serious academic competitors. Gotta watch out for everyone else trying to make history as well.

My only wish is that we could better understand other parts of this story (the sides that aren't European), but with no written records made by those interacting with Stein, it's rather difficult to fully understand or portray their thoughts on the matter. Everything has to be inferred from Stein's letters and journals. Seeing as it can't be helped, I can't hold it against the writers.

Good book indeed.