The Ride To Khiva (1877)

The Ride to Khiva is a travel memoir written by Francis Cowley Burnand, an English satirist and playwright, in 1877. The book documents Burnand's journey to Khiva, a city located in present-day Uzbekistan, during the Russian conquest of Central Asia in the late 19th century. The book is divided into two parts. The first part describes Burnand's journey from London to Russia, where he joins a British diplomatic mission to Khiva. Burnand provides vivid descriptions of the landscapes, people, and cultures he encounters along the way, including the harsh conditions of the Russian steppes and the exoticism of the Central Asian bazaars. The second part of the book focuses on Burnand's experiences in Khiva, where he witnesses the siege and capture of the city by the Russian army. Burnand offers a unique perspective on the conflict, as he is both a participant in the British mission and an observer of the Russian military campaign. He provides detailed accounts of the battles, the negotiations between the British and Russian commanders, and the aftermath of the siege. Throughout the book, Burnand's wit and humor shine through, as he offers humorous anecdotes and satirical commentary on the people and events he encounters. The Ride to Khiva is a fascinating account of a pivotal moment in Central Asian history, as well as a testament to the enduring appeal of travel writing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.