News from Tartary

"Kini's acute sense of smell I have mentioned as a handicap in travel; but here it stood us in good stead. She went out to have a look at the surviving camels and caught a whiff of rotting flesh; it came from the Prime Minister's camel, originally christened The Pearl of the Tsaidam and now known as The Pearl for short. Kini brought him into camp and we took his packsaddle off; on the spine between the humps an ancient sore under the skin had reopened and was festering fast. We pegged his head down and with little help from the Turkis, who were hopeless with animals, Kini doctored it despite his bellows. It looked a terrible place, but she made such a good job of it that it healed completely within a few days."

Do not be led by the star show more rating. There is a reason for the three stars, but on no accounts do 3 stars mean that this book is not worth your time.

News from Tartary is a great book. Peter Fleming had a marvellous ability to write. This report of his travel from Beijing across China and into India via Kashmir is a fantastic account of what it was like for a European to set out on a trip that very few people had accomplished before and that few adventurers have managed to describe to a Western readership since the days of Marco Polo.

When Fleming set out on his trip in 1935, he soon had to abandon his plans of travelling alone. Because of the political upheaval in China at the time - Japanese invasion of Manchuria, the rise of the Communist army - roads were blocked and warrants issued for anyone who did not have the right papers, the right connections, or the right demeanor. It was at this point that Fleming joined forces with Ella ("Kini") Maillart, a Swiss traveller and writer, who had also planned to follow the Silk Road across China - by herself.

Neither of them wanted to join forces, but the alternative for both would have been to abandon the trip. Together, they could produce enough languages, life skills, money, and passports/visa to at least leave Beijing - and try and by-pass the official control posts. Maillart also wrote an account of this trip in her book Forbidden Journey , but unlike Fleming her outlook on the trip and the content of her observations are quite different.

When reading News from Tartary, I probably learned more about Fleming than about the people he meets and the countries he passes through. It is also good to remember that when Fleming set out on his trip, he worked as a political correspondent for The Times, and much of Fleming's interests in the book focus on the political and military situation in China. For example, Fleming goes into quite some detail about the political leaders he meets, and troop movements he observes. As it turns out, however, his enthusiasm for political analysis may not have made up for a lack of expertise or indeed a lack of understanding of Chinese culture and society.

And this is really the crux of my hesitation to rate this book any higher: Fleming tried hard to transcend the stifled English attitude and open up to experience this different world that he threw himself into, but he never really manages to fully do this. As a result, the book reads like a boy's own adventure story - which it is, of course - but which could have been so much more in that his preoccupation with the British perspective seems to have blinded him to the marvels and wonders of the people and landscape he took so much trouble to encounter. show less

Peter Fleming, in some ways 'a person of interest' to us as the brother of the much better known Ian Fleming (of Bond 007 fame if it is necessary to make that point), was back in those days just 'one of the gang'. That gang was, in the 1930's a pretty exclusive club, the wealthiest, best educated and best connected sons and daughters of an Empire that was about to plunge over the precipice into World War II. And oddly enough, for an Empire with vast military resources, and a history of using them without compunction (particularly against much less well equipped foes), a lot of the work of maintaining and extending its borders was done by projecting 'soft' power - the influence of trade agreements, playing contending forces off against show more each other, and slipping a little (or a lot of) cash into a pocket here and there. Britain had been playing a role in Central Asia (think of all the countries with the names ending in '-stan) between the Caspian Sea and Western China since the 1800's, bumping up against the Russian Empire (and later the Soviet Empire) along a thousand mile front. Known as the 'Great Game', the prize was not so much the colonisation of any of that territory by one power or the other, but the denial of it to the other. It was true, however, that India (and access to the indian Ocean) lay as a glittering jewel that the Russians from time to time dreamed of picking up. And it is true that Britain struggling to hold India against a rising tide of Nationalism couldn't afford not to take the Russian threats seriously. In this context Britain had a problem in the mid 1930's. They had lost track of (and influence over..) what was happening in Western China. In the days before satellites, and monitoring of radio traffic, they responded in the great tradition of British espionage, by sending a reporter from the Times Newspaper to have a bit of a 'look-see'. This is not to suggest that Peter Fleming was a spy and the inspiration for his brother's literary creation, well not entirely (in either case), in any case. But Peter Fleming's subsequent career working with Military Intelligence (and Deception) does, however, suggest a certain talent in that direction.

Peter Fleming's description of this journey, accompanied somewhat improbably by a Swiss female journalist Ella Kini Maillart, doesn't 'spill the beans'. There's no secret pen-guns, and the closest thing to a car fitted with ejector seats is an old horse with a loose saddle. But he does hide his diaries and has an extraordinary confidence in bluffing his way out of tight corners, and seems to carry a lot of photographic gear. And his description of how he obtains a look at the photograph of the half brother of a local potentate (and thereby confirms the half-brother's enrolment in the Soviet Army) is pure Bond. No, the book maintains the cover story, just a journalist wandering into a vast 'forbidden area' without proper documents, for no particular reason - 'a bit of a lark', 'see what's there old bean', 'pick up a story or two..' British author (and 'not in the spy business either') John Le Carre caught the role perfectly in his novel The Honourable Schoolboy. Somewhere about two thirds through the book is Fleming's 'report' on the political situation in the region, presumably largely the same story that he filed with his newspaper. He wrote that Russia was winning the game in bringing a railway line close to the region, thereby gaining military and trade access. But he also notes that the local tribes weren't happy with either Russian - or Chinese - control. At the same time he observes the mountain passes into India were proof against invasion from the north. His assessment is probably as valid today as it was then, and putting it in print (or at least that version of the story) was perhaps the main purpose of the exercise; gee up a bit of public sentiment among the locals and the Chinese to resist the Russian expansion, calm the folks at home about the prospects of a successful Russian invasion of Afghanistan (!) and India, and let the Indian Nationalists understand that the Russians weren't coming to their aid any time soon. If Fleming had 'other business' in Central Asia he isn't saying. But you could observe that his description of the condition of the roads, the water supply, bridges and fords, and mountain passes is incredibly detailed and - supplemented by photographs - would make a pretty good guide for anyone planning to move an army (or to resist an army) through that country.

The writing style is perfect British understatement. He was an amateur adventurer, but I suspect that he might have chosen to appear more 'amateur' than he really was, or perhaps due to his honesty about his own abilities he comes across as less 'professional' than some who write about their successes and cover up their mistakes. The situations that he threw himself into, and got out of, would (I suspect) give the modern 'adventure writers' such as Newby and Theroux cause to run home to their mothers. After listening (in a metaphorical sense) to Newby complain that boats couldn't be purchased for his convenience at the 'drop of a hat' on the Ganges, or Theroux complain about being pestered by his fans while travelling I must say I have nothing but contempt for their efforts. Peter Fleming is not just an engaging, amusing and interesting writer who is travelling through a fascinating time and place, but he is above all, the 'real deal'. Highly recommended. show less

This is probably the best travel narrative ever written about China (although Owen Lattimore's 'The Desert Road to Turkestan' is a close second) and has influenced a great deal of subsequent writing about the region--not in content, but in style.

Fleming presents himself as a bumbling amateur traveller, a mild eccentric, and someone who has only the vaguest idea what's going on. Later writers, attracted no doubt by the fact that this book has stayed in print for 80 years, have taken this as justification to write narratives which revel in their own ignorance.

But Fleming's amateurishness is merely a pose, and the book is full of humorous detail on life in China at that time, backed by sound journalism and knowledge of the political show more situation. It's also full of perceptive observations on the people he meets and their behaviour, guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of the modern traveller when coming across their latter day counterparts, both Chinese and expatriate foreigner. show less

"News From Tartary" is a remarkable travelogue that chronicles the extraordinary journey of author Peter Fleming, the older brother of James Bond" author Ian Fleming, through the remote and enigmatic regions of Central Asia. His captivating narrative takes readers on an epic adventure along the ancient Silk Road, offering a rare glimpse into the landscapes, cultures, and people that inhabit this historically significant part of the world.

Fleming's writing is infused with a sense of adventure and curiosity, drawing readers into his quest to explore the unknown. From the moment he embarks on his daring expedition, the book brims with excitement, anticipation, and the allure of the uncharted. His descriptive prose captures the rugged show more beauty of the Central Asian landscapes, transporting readers across vast deserts, towering mountain ranges, and bustling bazaars, evoking a sense of both wonder and wanderlust.

One of the book's strengths lies in Fleming's ability to convey the essence of the places he visits and the people he encounters along the way. He skillfully weaves historical context, cultural observations, and personal anecdotes, creating a multidimensional narrative that immerses readers in the intricacies of Central Asian societies. From engaging with nomadic tribes to experiencing local customs and traditions, Fleming's encounters offer insights into the region's rich cultural tapestry, providing a valuable window into a world that is often shrouded in mystery.

"News From Tartary" also shines a light on the historical significance of the Silk Road and its impact on the region. Fleming's exploration of ancient cities and archaeological sites adds depth to the narrative, offering glimpses into the historical layers that have shaped Central Asia. Through his observations, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural exchanges, trade routes, and geopolitical dynamics that once thrived along this renowned trade route.

While the book is a captivating account of Fleming's journey, it occasionally lacks a strong overarching structure. The narrative meanders at times, and some readers may find themselves longing for a more cohesive storyline or deeper exploration of certain themes. However, this loose structure also mirrors the unpredictable nature of travel itself, reinforcing the sense of spontaneity and discovery that permeates the book.

In conclusion, "News From Tartary" is an enthralling travelogue that embarks on a grand adventure through the heart of Central Asia. Fleming's vivid storytelling and evocative descriptions paint a vivid picture of a region steeped in history, culture, and untamed beauty. This book is recommended for travel enthusiasts, history aficionados, and those seeking an immersive literary journey along the fabled Silk Road. It serves as a testament to the enduring allure of exploration, the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of experiencing the unknown. show less

For anyone thinking of reading this book, that is, for anyone interested in Central Asia 100 years ago, this book is wonderful. Peter Fleming is an excellent author writing about an unbelievable trip. The book was a sensation when it came out and the original was quite a splendid edition with many excellent photos printed from films that sometimes got doused when pack animals foundered in river fords. The fold out map is an invaluable reference while reading.

I've been to this region and even today it's an exciting wild place. The idea that Fleming and his companion the Swiss writer Ella Maillart walked the 3500 miles in 7 months is fantastic.

I learned a lot from reading the book. The most unexpected is that in 1935 they made an show more attenuated typhus vaccine from the blood of people who allowed infected lice to feed on them. Little boxes of lice tied to their bodies. I have since looked it up and the research work on the vaccine was done by a Dr. Weigl in Germany. A fellow names Arthur Allen has written about the research in a book called "The Fantastic Laboratory Of Dr. Weigl".

This is a great book. show less

Interesting read. For the people of Xinjiang, it is quiet the what if: if the USSR made the region into an SSR in the 1930s, it might have ultimately become a free nation today. Sobering news for those reading the reports out of Kashgar these days. Fleming writes with a good sense of humor, although not much happens in their journey (bureaucracy was the greatest threat to their success). Worth a read if you are interested in Central Asia or China during the Civil War.

A wonderfully observant, compassionate, humorous account of a 3500 mile, 7 month journey across central Asia in 1935 undertaken with little preparedness or expertise. It's one of the best works of travel writing I have read. THe original cloth bound version with all of the photos and maps is recommended.