TRAVELS IN KASHMIR

About the Book: Travels in Kashmir: A Popular History of its People, Places, and Crafts Recounting the story of this colourful and fascinating region as it appears in travel writing, literature, and historical works from ancient times to the present day, Travels in Kashmir offers a lively and comprehensive guide to a land little understood in the West.Beginning with an informal history of Kashmir-from the legends of the twelfth-century Kalhana to the accounts of British colonial rulers-the book brings together a wide variety of engaging travellers tales, reports, and descriptions that vividly illustrate the changing perceptions of the area-both Indian and European-throughout the years. of particular interest is a section on the arts, crafts, and craftspeople of Kashmir, which focuses specifically on the shawl-weaving, carpet-making, and papier m?ch? works that have gained international renown. Throughout, Keenan proves a sharp as well as sympathetic observer with an eye for the amusing and the poignant, and the entertaining way she unfolds the story of Kashmirs people, places, and crafts makes this a book that will be enjoyed by tourists, readers of travel writing, and anyone interested in one of the most unusual and beautiful places in the world. About the Author: Brigid Keenan Brigid Keenan was born in India and educated in England and France. She has been Fashion Editor of the Sunday Times and Womens Editor of the Observer. While travelling the world with her diplomat husband, she has published two fashion histories, Damascus: Hidden Treasures of the Old City and the bestselling Diplomatic Baggage: The Adventures of a Trailing Spouse.