This engaging book recounts the story of Kashmir as it appears in travel literature and historical writings from ancient times to the 20th century. Drawing throughout on colorful accounts by a wide variety of people, the book presents an informal history of Kashmir, the changing perceptions of people living in and visiting the place over the centuries, British perspectives in the 150 years of colonial rule, and the arts, crafts, and craftspeople of the area, particularly such crafts as shawl weaving, carpets, and papier mache. 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 Kashmir's people, places, and crafts makes this a book that will be enjoyed by tourists, readers of travel writing, Asian specialists, and the general reader."