"Struggle for the Holy Land" by William Hare is a fulfilling historical narrative for American readers who are interested in the Middle East conflict but are overwhelmed by the deluge of information on the subject. William Hare's work provides an objective introduction to a subject polarized by advocacy. Broadly balanced, it unravels the complexity of the Middle East by elucidating complex personalities that have either influenced or have been influenced by its tragedy.

Starting with Einstein's wrenching emotions over Israel's existence, William Hare skillfully weaves Theodor Herzl's passion for the Zionist movement, David Ben-Gurion's sacrifices in Palestine, and Chaim Weizmann's influence over the British empire in a memorable portrait of struggle for a Jewish home then state. Israel's birth couldn't be better or more objectively presented for the casual historian from the Jewish point-of-view. Arab readers will certainly benefit from this objective portrayal of the people who have influenced the conflict currently affecting many Arab nations.

The book also describes the character of the Arab opposition to Israel through Mohammed Ali and T.E. Lawrence. Apparently targeting Western readers, William Hare selected two personalities who personify both a fighting spirit and sophistication. The poignantly perceptive focus on primarily non-Arabic personalities to represent the Arab point-of-view in the book underscores the reality of Arabs today who are yet powerless to voice their own grievances and concerns. Though the Arab voice remains wanting, Arabs are pained to find a more noble or more relevant representation of character and struggle than through Mohammad Ali and T.E. Lawrence.

Engagingly easy to read, I recommend "Struggle for the Holy Land" to anyone concerned about the history of the Middle East conflict.

Giving this book a 5-star rating isn't enough; I haven't been this affected-- intellectually and emotionally-- by anything I've read in a very long time, so I wish there were some way to reflect the significant difference between an "A" and an "A+," which is what "Struggle for the Holy Land (Arabs, Jews and the Emergence of Israel)," by William Hare, deserves. First published in 1995, this book is more important and timely today than ever before, as it seeks to promote the kind of understanding and a perspective of the Middle East that is so vital if we are ever, in our efforts as a community of Man, going to be able to effect any semblance of global harmony at all.

William Hare writes from the enlightening perspective that merely understanding the issues and current events in the Middle East is not going to bring about a resolution of the problems that are rooted there, and ultimately have a far-reaching effect on all of the nations of the world; these are scholarly pursuits, but ineffective in realizing any real change in the near (or distant) future. Hare points out that what the situation requires is a thorough understanding of the people involved-- the history, culture and psychological aspects of who they are, and most importantly, "why." And he does it by tracing the roots of Zionism and the genesis of Islam, by going back and determining the cause and effects of the attitudes and actions that have brought us to where we are today.

Hare gets to the heart of his subject by offering an objective examination of historically significant events from the perspective of both the Jews', as well as the Arabs' side, and moreover, the effects of one upon the other, as well as how the world powers of specific times influenced that history, including the involvements of the likes of Czarist Russia, the Ottoman Empire, Britain, America and, of course, the devastating effects of Hitler's Germany. It's a comprehensive, cohesive and thorough treatment, with a depth that transcends the achievements of similar attempts by others, and is even more extraordinary when the fact that Hare's analysis covers a period from Biblical times to the present, inclusively, is considered.

What really brings this book to life, however, and what sets it apart from most histories, is the way Hare brings the situations, and especially the people involved, so vibrantly to life. Typically, works of history are rendered in terms of dry academia; Hare, on the other hand, uses the voice of the novelist for his presentation, which makes historic figures like Einstein, Muhammad, Chaim Weizmann, David Ben Gurion, T.E. Lawrence and Harry Truman (to mention just a few) seem larger than life (as, indeed, their respective accomplishments make evident that they were), while affording and investing the reader with intellectual stimulation, as well as the emotional connection that makes this book so thoroughly involving on so many levels.

From the first chapter, which offers some succinct insights into Albert Einstein and his views on and involvement with Zionism, to the final chapter, which concludes with the dramatic depiction of Sir Alan Cunningham, the British high commissioner, presiding over the ceremony marking the end of British rule in Palestine, Hare's account is riveting and stirring in a way that makes history seem like a tangible entity rather than merely words on a page. His approach is similar to that of Shelby Foote, who so successfully brought possibly the darkest period of American History to life in his trilogy "The Civil War." Like Foote, Hare has the ability to "put you in the room," as it were, making you a part of the action rather than just an observer, and his style is tremendously effective, including his use of contemporary frames of reference, like films, to draw comparisons and correlate especially significant events.

A scholarly endeavor executed artistically can be entertaining as well as educational, and this book certainly is all of that; but more than that, it can be important in a way that supersedes any and all of it's most worthwhile considerations. And this book most certainly is that, as well. One of the most engaging and thought-provoking chapters is Hare's emotionally charged account of the Holocaust, which alone takes this book to an even higher level of significance. Like Steven Spielberg's film "Schindler's List," this particular chapter, especially, makes this book important in that it serves to preserve the memory of that which must not be forgotten at any cost; and it is decidedly the efforts of artists and scholars like William Hare and Steven Spielberg that guards against this kind of history repeating itself. And that, in itself, is a remarkable achievement by any form of measurement.

Sensitively and sensibly written and presented, "Struggle for the Holy Land (Arabs, Jews and the Emergence of Israel)" is an entertaining, educational and important book that should be required reading for everyone. William Hare is to be commended for his astute insights into the human condition and his studied and conclusive perceptions of the whys and wherefores of the world in which we live; and hopefully, through his considerable achievements here and the importance of this book, he will receive the kind of acknowledgement he so richly deserves. This is a book that belongs in everyone's library.

William Hare has an extensive background in journalism and interest in world affairs, and it is evident in this book, "Struggle For the Holy Land." Through his investigation, he presents a succinct and thorough report on a complex topic in which solutions to the Arab and Israeli conflict have eluded the world's top leaders. Hare puts the conflict in proper context with an emphasis on the Arab and Israeli leaders who shaped policies generations ago. Particularly compelling are the roles of T.E. Lawrence, David Ben-Gurion and Zionist leader Chaim Weizmann. While much has happened since the book was written in 1995, it remains, in my opinion, a definitive look in historical terms. If anything, it explains well the events that led to the bloodshed we see today. I highly recommend it.

Okay, 7th Heaven is supposed to be "uncool" or whatever. I think it's almost embarrasing that a nice family show with heart, morals, and values, has to be "uncool", or that people don't admit to watching it. Admit it!. Be proud!. This book about the WB show is a great buy for any fan, or for anybody who is interested in getting into the show and needs a little catching up to do. This book contains every episode, with a very lengthy summary of the episode, for the first four seasons. It also has some color photos, and some interviews with a few members of the cast. The show is a wonderful family show. People say it's corny, cheesy, or whatever. Well, so what?. Is that supposed to mean something?. No, it doesn't mean anything. It deals with some very serious issues. Not everything is all wrapped up and happy at the end of each show. The Camden family are not perfect "Brady" clones where the world's problems are solved in time for the ending credits. This is the kind of show we need more of. Especially now. If some people bash a show like this, which has been the #1 rated show on the WB for the last 3 seasons, and only WB show to crack the top 40, you wonder what kind of morals they have. Anyways, this is a great book to a great, classy, family show. 7th Heaven is T.V. heaven indeed. The show continues to do a great service for television and humanity.

This book is absolutely FANOMENAL!! 7th Heaven is my absolute #1 Favorite TV show! No one is a bigger fan than me!!!! This book captures the heart of the Camdens! It deserves WAY more than 5 stars!!!!!!

I absolutely adore the TV show, "7th Heaven" - it's my favorite! And this book, 7TH HEAVEN: FOUR YEARS WITH THE CAMDEN FAMILY, is a great resource book to check up all of the past episodes for all 4 seasons of the show. In this book, it has detailed summaries for each and every episode, along with facts and photos of the terrific TV fam. I bought this book at a bookstore recently and I have to say that I am sure glad I did. This book is a must-have for any true "7th Heaven" fan. Also, in the middle, there is a section with full-page color photos of each member in the original cast with short bios...very helpful. Though this is a little out-dated now because of the 5th season, it's still a fabulous book.

But one thing that was disappointing about this book was the fact that the author didn't list the guest stars, who they played, what episodes they were in, photos, or short bios of them. This show isn't just about the Camden family...some of the guest stars have had some major roles on the show and I thought the author was gonna talk a little about them, too!

Still, great read for all "7th Heaven" fans!

This is a great book & I recommend it to anyone interested in development in third world countries. Ought to find its way onto a few economics course booklists I hope. It does not offer a step by step guide on how to set up a system in your own country, just a generalised working. Not a big criticism, as that would be a subject for a less accessible, more technical book. For starters, this is it!

More than just a casual pass through Bangladesh to investigate Grameen Bank, the micro-credit phenomenon started a quarter century ago by Muhammad Yunus, The Price of a Dream fills in gaps left by other writings. It puts a human face on the poor of this impoverished Asian country, formerly known as East Pakistan. It brings poverty-stricken Bangladeshis into your livingroom as factual, not fictional, folks.

"Aren't all Bangladeshis poor?" you ask. No. There is wealth. But there are also tens of millions of families so impoverished that one cannot begin to understand the depth and breadth of their deprivation without actually visiting this tropical nation or coming to know some of these people through a book such as this.

Bornstein writes in a painterly way. His stories, both sad and glad, weave a mesmerizing pattern of the richness of Bangladeshi life amid trying circumstances. How people cope, how they react to successes and disasters, how they work to pull themselves up economically and socially: every thread is pulled through the loom in due course to render a true and clear representation of lives on the ragged edge. Thanks to loans from Grameen, millions of families have been able to hem that edge, one stitch at a time, to finish off their piece of cloth.

For his part, Yunus, speaking as the economics professor he once was, declares, "Credit is a powerful weapon, and anyone possessing this weapon is certainly better equipped to maneuver the forces around him to his advantage." (p. 228)

Micro-credit empowers the unempowered. No one describes that process better than David Bornstein. The Price of a Dream will open your eyes to the possibility of minimizing the indignity of poverty in our lifetime, if not eliminate it altogether. Every beautiful tapestry starts with a single thread. Even if that first thread is mere hope, it's a worthy place to begin.

I've been reading a lot of books on microcredit/microfinance and this is very thorough; I would reccommend it for anyone interested in the industry and to those trying to duplicate Grameen's efforts in other areas. It gives you an indepth look at the Grameen Bank(it's successes, failures). It also gives you an opportunity to look at the bank from the perspective of the borrowers and the staff. All the stories aren't rosy and glamorous which makes this book a lot more balanced than what I've read in the past. The author gives you the room to create your own views on Grameen and microcredit(as a sustainable means to fight poverty). This was a great read!!

I was assigned to read this book for a history course I took at the University of California at Los Angeles. Like most students, I thought, great, one more book to read. But unlike all the other texts my professor assigned that term--this one blew my socks off! It was great! Well-written, with a pulsating plot, great historical "characters", neat descriptions of diseases of another time. I am recommending it to all my friends and now to all of you on Amazon. Read "Quarantine!"

Ellen F., Los Angeles

Quarantine is a wonderful book! Dr. Markel has written an excellent history of epidemics in New York City during the 1890s--which was a true-life Hot Zone for cholera and typhus. Richly illustrated and beautifully written!

I have read a lot of books on epidemics and american history and I must say this is the best I have read. Markel does a superb job of bringing the reader right into the hearts and minds of those involved in the epidemics in New York of 1892. He also manages to tell a hell of a good story. No boring historical monograph--this is a scholarly thriller--well documented and well told. I loved it!

a brutally honest account of the palestinian intifada experience as written by a jewish american. exposes fallacies in the representation of the case as well as in foreign policy. very necessary in understanding the israel-palestine conflict

As a Jewish woman living in the U.S. it was difficult for me to hear but one side of the story in the Israeli-Arab conflict. That side was the Zionist perspective. It wasn't until I spent time in Israel (ironic as this is) that I began to understand the fallacies in the arguments I grew up hearing. I read this book after picking it up at a friend's house, and now I'm feeling brave enough to buy a copy of my own. That courage comes from Finkelstein. I feel like I'm in good company. There ARE other Jews who can see and dare to shed some light on the OTHER SIDE--the Palestinian viewpoint. Finkelstein presents us with the Palestinian perspective in the context of the Israel-Arab conflict with such integrity and simplicity. As descendents of a terribly oppressed group of people, I whole-heartedly support all efforts to stop dehumanizing the "enemy." Finkelstien shows us the humanness of Palestinians.

Finkelstein's book is that rare gem of a monumental work housed within a slim volume. What makes his ideas so astonishing, in addition to their being meticulously researched and footnoted, is that his parents were survivors of the Nazi holocaust. Based on encounters with Elie Wiesel and the like, one would not expect a Jew of this background to have such a profound understanding of the Palestinian people and of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

This book is a must-read in that it convincingly defies, with powerfully sculpted arguments and towering research, the tired and frequently hypocritical views of the New York Times and other news authorities.

Finkelstein will convince you.

This book is more than a war story. It digs deep into the discrimanation women still face in the military. This Army Major had to fight to be part of a combat unit and volunteerily went to Desort Storm. She is a Doctor and Pilot, who cares deeply about the military and her patients. She realizes she could make more money in the "civilian" world, but her love is with the Army. This story tells what she went through with her family and fellow soldiers while enduring the hardships of war and being away from home. It also tells the story of her being one of only two women POW's of the war. It is a great story that definitely inspired me to be the best Marine I can be. Read this book. Semper Fi!

Having read her story and heard her speak, I admire and respect Col Cornum. She comes across as a true military leader, someone I would enjoy knowing. This is a well-written book and definitely a worthwhile purchase. Being a military leader myself (as described in "Navy Greenshirt: A Leader Made, Not Born"), I recognize the good ones when they come along.

Truly an excellent and moving description. I served with now COL Rhonda Cornum and I can vouch for her exceptional leadership and that she IS a real life American Hero flesh and blood.
I read this book in 2 sittings. After reading it the next time I saw her made me want to give her a hug. Instead I made due with a crisp good morning salute. To Army leadership: This IS a MUST read.

From the acheologist and author behind the superlative Road to Ubar comes this years-long search for the titular queen. Clapp knows that behind many a legend looms a historical figure. In contrast to his search for Ubar, however, Clapp seems a bit too willing to believe the most tenuous of connections when seeking Sheba's stomping grounds. As his ability to wander through possible sites becomes increasingly restricted (due to political unrest), his healthy critical outlook appears to take a back seat to his need for an expedient resolution. Clapp himself seems as likeable as ever, though, and many of his observations (especially those made while in Yemen) are as hilarious as they are insightful.

Nicholas Clapp may be better known for his remarkable discovery of the so-called "lost city" of Ubar in the 90's. What makes his discovery all the more remarkable, and entertaining, is that Clapp is a documentary filmmaker... not an archaeologist. Of course, one could say that a documentary filmmaker is something of a jack of all trades, a good description of Clapp, it seems, as he brought together a team of NASA scientists, a British adventurer in the Lawrence of Arabia vein, and his parole officer wife, among others, on an adventure he created from some serious, in-depth study of ancient texts and maps.

Clapp's Sheba takes place in a similar area, and again deals with the murky mists that cover mankind's ancient past, and with the myths and legends that may, or may not, be based on fact. However, Sheba is notably different than "The Road to Ubar" in that his quest this time involves a person and not a place. Unfortunately, places last quite a bit longer than flesh-and-blooders like ourselves, and Sheba should be approached differently than Ubar-- if you've read it-- because here there will not be that "aha!" moment when the seeming lump of sand gives up its treasure.

Clapp's quest for Sheba offers the tantalizing prospect of such "aha!" moments when and if Yemen becomes a safe place for large, organized archaeological digs. A vast, ancient city of 20,000 people awaits that intrepid Indiana Jones.

Now, having said that, Clapp shows more of his wonderful storytelling ability, and his historical detective work, looking for the weave of fact amongst the warp of time. His mission takes him to Jerusalem, and a monastery on the Sinai peninsula where strange monks are put to pasture; to the wild highways and byways of Yemen, and Ethiopia, where he spends the night overlooking the Queen of Sheba Barbershop. His sense of humor makes for several laugh-out-loud-even-if-you're-alone moments (I'm thinking specifically of the border crossing where the lone working lightbulb is ferried from one official's office to another). This wry amusement, however, extends only to the living. For when Clapp does finally find himself in the land of Bilqis, the Queen of Sheba, his awe is palpable, and the tale he eventually patches together is incredible.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in history generally, the Middle East particularly, or anyone who likes fiction or non-fiction where each chapter, if not page, contains surprises.

Nicholas Clapp's search for the Queen of Sheba is one of the best non-fiction books I've read this year. The book is a travelogue, history, biblical study, analysis of Arabic mythology, and view of Middle Eastern and Eastern African politics all wrapped into one. Clapp is an engaging writer with a dry and subtle sense of humor that had me laughing out loud as I followed him on his often whimsical quest through Israel, Yemen, and Ethiopia. His frank, honest style and his ability to poke fun at and not take himself too seriously made the book and absolute pleasure to read. Like most books that focus on the world's great "unsolved mysteries," Clapp's journey often raises more questions than it answers. But that only added to my enjoyment of the story. When I finished the book, it felt as if I'd come to the end of a long stay with a good friend.

This was an awesome book and I have read it numerous times. Being a Gulf War Veteran I read just about every book that came out right after the Gulf War to see what the various authors had to say about a war that affected millions of us and that 500,000 plus American attended/participated in. I no longer read books on the Gulf war because most of it is political dribble trying to explain what did not happen, Now it seems that it is more convient for some to write lies then the truth, no such thing as Gulf War Syndrome right. Enough of politics that is why I like this book, because it put everything in perspective using humor.

If you are not a veterans it will still be funny to most of you.

This will always be one of my favorite books on the Gulf War. I especially liked the chapter on the Red Rope Ranger. I laugh out loud every time I think about it!

I met Barry at King Fahd International Airport when he interviewed me and several folks in my unit, the 511th Tactical Fighter Squadron. My story didn't make the final cut but you've got to read about our Flight Surgeon, Major Smith, and his war trophy!

Warning: This travel guide is not designed for the "accidental tourist," the person who travels to foreign lands hoping only to recreate a faraway, expensive version of his homeland. This book is for anyone who wants to travel not only for pleasure, but also for knowledge. With humor and incredible insight, Phil Karber writes of his adventures in the lands he has visited, lands that most of us will only see on National Geo specials. Karber immerses himself in each culture, learning as much as he can about the history, philosophy, people, and customs of each country that he visits. After reading this book, the reader will feel as if he, too, has visited each place Karber describes. This book is a must-have for anyone who plans to travel to these exotic locales, but it is also a delightful way for those of us who lack the courage, time, or funds to travel to experience places that may no longer exist in a few year's time.

Phil Karber is my Dad's first cousin. Trust me, the sarcastic humor runs in the family. I have not read my cousin's book yet, but I have no doubt that it is wonderful. Phil is a great guy to be around, and he could write a dozen books about his life. I would love to read about his childhood also.

I've just finished Yak Pizza--and how much I was transported from Fort Smith, AR to places I've only dreamed or heard of. Each day I looked forward to that time after dinner when I could grab Yak Pizza, get off by myself, and take trip after trip.

Phil Karber did a remarkable job here, finding the right distance from his subject matter--at times letting places and experiences speak for themselves and at just the right times giving such keen insights from observation and analysis.

There were such poignant moments and then humor and then righteous indignation and then such a knowledge of the background history of environment, economics, political/social structure. . .and gadzooks what a vocabulary.

I wrote a haiku over my impressions the night I finished the book and had such bittersweet emotions on finishing it--here tis Brushed bamboo, twisted thickets of morass. Leeches hold time in their craw.

The book traces the life of one of most intrepid explorers of fin-de-siecle 19th century, Sir Francis Edward Younghusband (FEY).

FEY was a man of many talents : explorer, writer, athlete, spy, thinker and philosopher. Born to English parents in 'Imperial' India, FEY spent his early years at Dharamshala where he came under the influence of his maternal uncle Robert Shaw. Shaw was a keen adventurer and trekker himself which left a deep impact on the young FEY.

FEY started his career as an official of the British Empire and because of his treks to China (Gobi desert) and within India (Rohtang Pass) he became recognised as an explorer. At the turn of the century, Tibet remained one of the last uncontrolled regions in the 'Great Game' between Russia and Britain (for increasing their respective influences in the Asian region). Curzon, afraid of Russia's growing influence over Tibet (later proven unfounded), decided to send an 'expedition' to Lhasa headed by Younghusband. (Curzon and Younghusband were very good friends). The expedition was actually a military adventure to assert British influence over Tibet. In this most celebrated event of FEYs life, he along with British troops trekked from Sikkim to Lhasa and signed the Treaty of Lhasa which was responsible for Tibet coming under British influence (till the Chinese took it over much later on).

In the post-1904 phase of his life FEY tried, unsuccessfully, to enter politics. However, this physically-resilient explorer turned into a philosopher after he had a near-fatal accident in Belgium. He also led the 'probably' unsuccessful attempts over Mt. Everest in the early-1920s ('probably' because till date the mystery over whether George Mallory did reach the summit in 1924 before perishing to his death remains unresolved).

The author also discusses in detail FEYs relationship with his wife Helen and daughter Eileen. PF also uncovers an affair FEY had in the twilight of his life with Lady Madeline Lees.

The book is also interspersed with details of how the author, Patrick French retraces Younghusband's steps. In true 'living in his shoes' style, the author traces the travels / exploits of FEY. PF travels to Dharamshala, China, Gobi Desert and Sikkim to get a feel of Younghusband's travels. The research done by French on events of more than hundred years ago is commendable and extremely detailed. He even details the number (67) and type of shirts FEY took with him on his 1904 expedition !

Patrick French has also recently written 'Liberty or Death' which is a lucid and well-researched account of the Indian Freedom struggle.

This book is an excellent achievement by a young British writer. Patrick French has meticulously researched all aspects of the life of this enigmatic 'empire builder'.

In the earlier stages of his life Francis Younghusband was desparately trying to gain fame and get his name into the annals of British imperialism. In a way time was running out, for the era of great explorations was coming to an end. Therefore the young officer set his eyes on the last frontier: Central Asia.

Very soon Younghusband was caught up in the hike-stake 'Great Game': the competition between Britain and Russia for control over the enormous expanses of inner Asia. Both states considered this region as vital for its strategic interests. The British feared that control of Turkestan and Tibet would bring the Russians too close to the mountain ranges separating India from the rest of Asia. The Russians in turn considered the steppes and deserts of Central Asia as a buffer zone between its Far Eastern territories and British-ruled South Asia.

Younghusband's travel experiences through the Himalayas, Karakorum, Hindu Kush and Pamir mountains would turn out to be essential for the formation of his later-day personality and activities. By temperament Younghusband fits into that strange category of the late Victorian soldier-adventurer with a spiritual bend. Just like General Charles 'Chinese' Gordon and T.E. Lawrence (of Arabia), he paired a love for action with unmistakable spiritual inclinations.

After his military and administrative career in the British India service had come to an end, Francis Younghusband started a new mission in life. He became involved in a myriad of organizations concerned with inter-religious dialogue and the pursuit of world peace. Although, along the lines, he maintained a vivid interest in all 'things Asian' and was deeply involved with the first Mount Everest Expeditions.

French has been extremely thorough in investigating this second career of Francis Younghusband, pursuing all kinds of vague leads and intent on turning over the last stone. Patiently sifting through years of correspondence and personal journals, he pieces together a very detailed picture of Younghusband's later life and relationships with the people around him.

French's five year involvement with the life of Francs Younghusband was nothing short of an obsession, with the writer being determined to get into the head of his subject. The result is one of the best and most entertaining biographies I have ever read.

Patrick French's biography of Francis Younghusband - 'the last great imperial adventurer' - is beautifully written, insightful and above all humane. I say humane because at first glance Younghusband could easily be ridiculed - in his youth for a reckless jingoism that cost lives and embarrassed the British government, and in his later years for a brand of religious mysticism that was, well, bordering on insane. It is a tribute to French's understanding of his subject that he digs beneath these criticisms to bring us a deeply satisfying portrait of a surprisingly complex man.

Frank Younghusband's most pressing claim on history was that he led the British expedition into Tibet in 1904 - even at the time seen as being based on a flimsy pretext of stopping Russia from gaining control of central Asia. Some 2000 Tibetans were killed as the British force made its way into Lhasa. Younghusband forced a treaty on the 13th Dalai Lama pledging loyalty to the British empire. The Government in London found this deeply embarrassing and almost immediately repudiated the treaty. Younghusband himself was convinced of the threat Russia presented to British interests in India and central Asia.

But while the expedition created popularity and profile in England, it finished any chances of a senior career with the civil service. Younghusband served in India in a number of middle-ranking posts and wrote books about Tibet and his earlier exploits as an explorer in central Asia. In 1906 he played a bit part in the Jamison raid in South Africa - in the pay of The Times. Most importantly Younghusband thought about spirituality. Literally following a mountain top revelation in Tibet, he increasingly devoted his life to promoting a form of all-embracing spirituality which led in its silliest form to speculations about aliens living on a planet called Altair. His later years were devoted to boosting this form of spirituality by establishing popular movements in England, lecturing widely including in the US, running the Royal Geographic Society and supporting Indian independence.

All of which one could easily ridicule. But French brings life to his subject and a subtlety of understanding which makes the book absolutely engrossing. One reason is that Younghusband was a prolific letter writer - the India Office Library contains 600 "bulging" boxes containing his papers. Through these we see into the private mental world of Francis - his arid and rather sad marriage to Helen, and the relationship in his very last years with Madeline Lees - truly the love of his life. These insights allow French to paint a much deeper and satisfying portrayal of a complex man - a person of his time and place but also a complete iconoclast, some one who pushed against the establishment for most of his life. Remarkably, this is Patrick French's first book, written in his mid-twenties. He is a natural, a gifted writer with a fine sense of judgement. No sentence rings out of tune in the whole book. In short Younghusband is worth every one of its five stars. If the publishers have any sense they will issue a reprint soon. If not, readers should do everything they can to somehow find a copy of this wonderful biography.