Frederick Gustavus Burnaby--soldier, traveler, writer, and pioneer balloonist--set out on an unofficial mission in 1875 to investigate the motives behind Russias exclusion of foreigners from Central Asia. A real-life adventure story, A Ride to Khiva recounts Captain Burnabys excursion invivid detail, reflecting the hardship and humor of his exciting travels. Forced to travel in winter, Burnaby journeyed through blizzards and snowdrifts to reach the mysterious caravan city of Khiva. Along the way he describes his many adventures, extending from surviving the Cossacks treatments for frostbite to taking tea with the Khan. Burnaby's account of his"one-man Great Game" mission was hugely successful, reprinting eleven times in its first year of publication and A Ride to Khiva continues to make fascinating reading today. Featuring a new introduction by the highly acclaimed author, Peter Hopkirk, this classic piece of travel writing is an entertaining account of a dangerous journey across inhospitable countryside by a man who was to become a popular hero in his own day. Read Less