Gordon accurately describes the diverse and vibrant Asian culture, showing the reader this world rather than simply describing it. Each of the men Gordon uses to tell the story undertakes expeditions mixed with hardship and triumph. The diverse spectrum of Asian cultures is covered. Readers will find Gordon's perspective on this topic fresh and direct. A strength of Gordon's book is that it is the personal memoirs of these travelers and therefore allows readers to connect on a more personal level. This personal connection causes the reader to become more involved in the story and therefore make a real effort to understand the world depicted instead of superficially absorbing the setting. This is a strength because it gave the reader a unique perspective on Asian cultures because the audience feels personally involved in these situations. There are some weak points in the book. I think maybe by putting the audience in these men's shoes you make them develop prejudices. The reader will probably have an emotional connection with the characters and therefore will not directly see the facts of the story. The book is highly recommended for readers interested in pre-modern history, the book offers a good look at the Eastern world, especially if you have no research experience with that part of the world and its surroundings.