Sometimes, a book comes along that’s more than just a story—it’s a portal to a world and era that feels almost unimaginable today. News From Tartary by Peter Fleming is one of those books. Written nearly a hundred years ago, it chronicles a 2-person “expedition” from what was then Peking (now Beijing) all the way to Kashmir, traversing vast, politically unstable, and little-known regions of Central Asia. As someone fascinated by travel, history, and the people that undertake these travels, this book gave me plenty to think about.
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Why This Journey Still Matters
What struck me most about Fleming’s account was the sheer scale of the adventure, especially considering the time period—1935. Traveling seven months through areas where maps were outdated or nonexistent, where roads were often just caravan trails, and where political borders were uncertain, is a feat that’s hard to fully grasp today. No GPS, no instant communication, and sometimes no mail service to speak of. The logistics alone were staggering.
But beyond the practical challenges, the journey highlights something timeless: the balance between caution and courage in unfamiliar places. Fleming’s reflections on carrying weapons stand out as a rare moment of wisdom. He writes:
“There are two possible explanations for finding yourself in a position in which you feel that you have got to use firearms in self defense. Either you have been foolish, or you have been unlucky… If you are entirely dependent for your food, your guides, your transport, your continued existence on the goodwill of the local inhabitants, it is as well not to decimate the latter.”
This struck me as a lesson far beyond travel—about navigating any challenging situation by valuing relationships and diplomacy over force. Sometimes, survival depends more on respect and patience than on quick, dramatic reactions.
The People Behind the Journey
Another aspect I found fascinating was the dynamic between Peter Fleming and his travel companion, Ella “Kini” Maynard, a Swiss woman with her own impressive history of exploration and sporting feats. For a woman to undertake such a journey at that time, in such harsh and politically complex regions, was extraordinary. Their partnership not only made the expedition possible but also added depth to the narrative. It made me think about the importance of having trusted, capable companions in any endeavor—whether it’s travel, work, or life challenges.
Ella’s perspective is captured in her own book, Forbidden Journey: From Peking to Kashmir, which I’m eager to dive into next and took some inter-library digging to find a copy in English.
Reflections on Historical Context and Modern Perspectives
Reading a travelogue from nearly a century ago naturally comes with its share of outdated views and cultural assumptions. Some descriptions and attitudes in the book feel jarring or “cringy” by today’s standards. Yet, I found it important to separate those moments from the overall value of the work. These were reflections of the era’s mindset, not necessarily malicious intent. Recognizing this allows us to appreciate the historical context without ignoring progress in how we understand and respect different cultures.
In a way, this book challenged me to think about how I perceive and interpret the world around me, especially when encountering unfamiliar cultures or ideas. It’s a reminder to stay curious but also critical, aware of my own biases and the lens through which I view others.
Maps, Elevation, and the Physical Challenge
The book includes some remarkable maps that trace the route across high mountain ranges and vast deserts. The elevation changes alone—reaching 10,000 to 15,000 feet—speak to the physical demands of the journey. It’s easy to forget how much environment shapes an expedition, especially when traveling by horseback, camel, or on foot. Weather, altitude, and terrain aren’t just background details—they are the main characters in any travel story like this.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
News From Tartary isn’t just a travelogue; it’s a shared experience of adventure, human connection, and the unpredictability of life on the road. It reminded me that:
- Luck and humility play major roles—sometimes, success boils down to being in the right place at the right time and knowing when to yield rather than fight.
- Travel is as much about people as places—building trust and respect with locals can mean the difference between survival and failure.
- Historical perspectives shape our understanding—reading older works requires balancing appreciation with critical awareness.
- Endurance and environment are inseparable—physical challenges shape the story as much as the cultural or political ones.
For anyone curious about Central Asia, travel history, or the spirit of exploration, this book offers a compact yet rich window into a world that few have seen, especially back then. It’s a reminder that the world is vast and full of stories waiting to be uncovered, often in places we least expect.