The Silk Road

The History and Legacy of the Trade Routes that Connected Europe and Asia

By: Charles River Editors

Narrated by: Dan Gallagher

The story of the Silk Road has been a popular topic among tourists, academics, economists, state parties, and daydreaming children for many centuries. In many ways the Silk Road can be seen everywhere, and it has existed for as long as people have traveled across Eurasia. Its impact is widely felt among the diverse peoples that live on the continent, through the unique regional art and architectural styles, as well as in countless films, books, academic studies, and organized tours devoted to the ancient trade routes. At the same time, however, the Silk Road is an entirely abstract invention, first coined by the 19th century German geographer Ferdinand von Richthofen. There has never existed a single route - let alone a road - that was used to transfer goods, nor was silk the primary commodity traded across Eurasia. Instead, the Silk Road is more a multi-layered narrative about the rise and fall of nomadic confederations and sedentary societies, the consolidation and dissolution of kingdoms and empires, the exchange of commodities and fine crafts, and the transfer and mixture of ideas, religions, technology, science, art, architecture, myths, and legends.

©2016 Charles River Editors (P)2016 Charles River Editors

Monotone reader

The information is excellent as always by Charles River Editors, however the readers are always monotone which makes it difficult to follow, a little emotion or expression would go a long way. Also the reader mispronounces certain words which makes it sound like he doesn't know what he's talking about.

Just the facts.

If you are looking for a short fact laden high school history class uninspiring delivery of facts then this is a quick sinopsis if the silk road. If your are looking for for an inspiring and jaw dropping dramatic and memorable delivery to be recited at the water cooler gathering then purchase one of the many other more than just facts books that you will remember for years.