Great read, but I'm stingy with five-star reviews. There is the issue of so much having transpired in Central Asia since the publication date, and going in, one must set expectations as to how in-depth the author can go into the history of such a vast region in only 214 pages. But the writing is fantastic and the depth of knowledge demonstrated by the author is why I love academic works. It's the kind of history book that makes you want to travel, and that is never a bad thing.