Two Cent Review #1

Review of Tent Life in Siberia

I'm always telling friends about books, music, camping gear and other things
that I've  come across and think are worthwhile.  This time I'm going to
spread the word a little  wider using e-mail.  


This time it's a book; Tent Life in Siberia by George Kennan.


The books is an account by Kennan of his experiences from 1865 to 1868 as
a member of the Russo-American Telegraph Company Siberian exploration
party.   Kennan's narrative style is informal, wonderfully descriptive, and very
readable.   He was a keen observer, humorous, humane (in spite of his
holding many of the prejudices of his time) and took his and his companion's
roles as a great white explorers with a large grain of salt.  He is as apt to mock
himself as the natives he meets.  While considering them "uncivilized
barbarians" he is quick to praise their hospitality, endurance, skill and
competence, and attempts to understand them on their own terms and in the
context of the Siberian environment.  Generally an easy and enjoyable read.    


Here's the Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data:

        Kennan, George, 1845-1924
        Tent Life in Siberia

        Reprint. Originally published:
        New York: Putnam; London: S. Low, Son & Marston, 1871.
        With new introduction.
        1. Siberia, Eastern (R.S.F.S.R.)
        --Description and travel.
        2. Kennan George, 1845-1924.
        I. Title. DK755.K38
        1986   957'.08  86-10016
        ISBN 0-87905-254-6 (pbk.)

The current reprint is published by:  Peregrine Smith Books, Gibbs M. Smith, Inc.
 Salt Lake City.