This book by the late Dr. James Thrower is the first general survey of the religious history of Central Asia; both Muslim and non-Muslim. It covers the history of religion in Central or Inner Asia from pre-history to the aftermath of the fall of communism.
#11249 in Books Bill Bryson 2007-09-25 2007-09-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.98 x .75 x 5.18l; .59 #File Name: 0767919378270 pagesPaperback with picture of the "Thunderbolt Kid."
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. This is one for the ages!By ANDRETo entertain so wonderfully by telling the tales of the past with such grace is the supreme talent of Bill Bryson.The ease at which he delivers the heavy and the humorous; especially for those blessed with the audio version of his books; only opens up parts of the heart and mind that could have been dormant for ages.I highly recommend this book; in particular; but also other of his works including; but not limited to One Summer... It's not only history; not only entertaining; but is a subtle; gentle call out to all of us to learn; to know; and to allow the things we know to affect us beyond merely reading a book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The Life and Times of Bill BrysonBy M. HarrisThis is a sentimental book about the good old 1950's and growing up in them in the midwest. There are not nearly as many laughs as there are in some of Bryson's earlier books; but it's a pleasant read filled with warm memories and Bryson's obsessively researched asides. I'm curious about the concept of the Thunderbolt Kid for the book. His super-hero alter ego is mentioned maybe five times throughout the book and is completely unnecessary. In fact; it seems to be such an afterthought that I wonder if the publisher read the first draft and told him to add something that would grab the book shopper's attention. This is not at all a Bryson must-read; but if you grew up in the 50's; it may take you back.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Very Entertaining / Highly Recommended.By iashutterbugEven though I was a ''girl''; but still of the same generation as the author; this book brought back many carefree memories for me. I too remember running around the neighborhood with a towel pinned around my neck; playing a Super Girl of sorts. This was before I'd ever heard of Wonder Woman. Memories as well of getting our first TV; and later the first time I actually saw a color TV !Overall; this book was highly entertaining; and provided me with far more than one moment of ''burst out loud laughter''. Immediately; as reading; I thought of others I would most certainly recommend this book to.This was a time way back; when most children I knew lead carefree lives; and actually ''used their imaginations'' to think of ways to entertain themselves. When kids played games outside with other neighborhood kids; and were actually expected to be ''highly respectful'' of their elders.Very nicely done. Lovely little jabs at the quirks of his father; his mother's cooking; other family members; all sorts of friend's oddities; both young and old.A book you can pick up to read; just for the joy of escaping to a another time and place. To get a few good chuckles. Also to come to understand the viewpoint from a young boy's point of view; of stories in the local and international news; that now make me stop and realize how little I was effected by it all.
