1st Edition
Strolling About on the Roof of the World The First Hundred Years of the Royal Society for Asian Affairs
This volume covers the first one hundred years of the Royal Society for Asian Affairs, formerly the Royal Central Asian Society. It traces its fons et origo in the Central Asian Question, within the context of the 'Great Game', and continues its fascinating chronology through the two World Wars to the present day. There are separate chapters on its widely drawn membership, variety of activities and archive collection. Throughout the pages are glimpses and vignettes of some of its extraordinary, even eccentric, members and their astonishing adventures. The wealth of factual and often amusing detail makes it a very lively account, which is also valuable as a work of reference for all interested in Asia. The book is generously illustrated and includes some of the Society's unique archival photographs not previously published.
Biography
Hugh Leach, OBE, has been a member of the Society for 40 years and twice served on its Council. Most of his 36 years service as a soldier and diplomat were spent between the Nile and the Euphrates. Now in retirement, he is interested in exploring between the Oxus and Jaxartes. Also on the Society's Council, Susan Farrington typed her way around the world before taking up research into British graveyards in Asia.
'A thrilling collection of stories featuring the exploits of the Society's members.' - Western Daily Press
'There are fascinating nuggets of information and much humour ... I congratulate Hugh Leach and Susan Farrington on a job very well done.' - Asian Affairs
