This original 2 Volume set comprises Sven Hedin's work, which embodies, in most intricate first-hand detail, his expansive and most significant Tibetan explorations. With four large colour maps, engaging photographic plates, one of which is a large panoramic view, vivid colour illustrations of Tibetan nomads, wild fauna and natural wonders, this is a captivating record of intense and memorable pioneering adventure into forbidden lands! Hedin circled round the emptiest quarter of the Himalayas, the Chang-tang Plateau, in an attempt to enter forbidden Tibet from the north, eventually finding himself to be a guest of the Panchen Lama in Shigatse, and surveying ancient gold-bearing regions of the western Himalayas.

 

The highly acclaimed Swedish explorer and geographer, Sven Hedin (1865-1952), travelled widely in Central Asia during several major trips and expeditions. His first major expedition in 1893-1897 was also his third trip to Asia. He attempted to climb Mt. Mustagh Ata, nearly died crossing western Taklamakan Desert, discovered ancient settlements in the desert, studied the region around the 'Wandering Lake,' Lop Nor, and crossed northern Tibet, arriving in Beijing in March 1897.

 

He published a popular two-volume book, Through Asia, and a volume of scientific reports. During his second major expedition to Asia 1899-1902 he continued his studies of the Lop Nor area, explored and mapped in Tibet, but was prevented from reaching Lhasa. On return he was ennobled by King Oscar II, the last Swede to be so honored. He published results of his travels in the two-volume book 'Central Asia and Tibet' and in several volumes of scientific results. In 1906-1908 he crossed Persia, continued to India, and from there entered Tibet despite British opposition. He made detailed observations in Southwest Tibet and made disputed claims to have discovered a previously unknown Transhimalaya range and the sources of the major Indian rivers. Results of the expedition were published in a popular account, 'Transhimalaya', and a decade later a 9-volume collection of scientific results.

 

Lord Curzon, when viceroy of India, had promised Sven Hedin every assistance; however, he resigned for political reasons and his place taken by Lord Minto, who carried out Curzon's undertakings. Lord Kitchener, head of the army in India, also used his influence in helping Hedin achieve his aims in Tibet. On his last major expedition, 1926-1935, he spent significant time in Mongolia and en route to the Tarim Basin, was held captive by the forces of the rebellious Dungan warlord General Ma, and studied the historic shift of Lake Lop Nor back into its former location.