William Dalrymple was only 22 when his first book In Xanadu was published in 1990. Harper Collins and Flamingo have recently republished his books and below we take a look at three of them.

IN XANADU

First published in 1990 In Xanadu was Dalrymple’s first book, subtitled a quest the journey begins in Jerusalem and ends up spanning 12,000 miles passing through hot spots such as Tehran, Iran, Pakistan, all the way across China before finally reaching the fabled Xanadu (the quest factor was ostensibly a chance for Dalrymple, studying at Cambridge at the time, to research the history of Marco Polo).

Told with great wit, Dalrymple, (who incidentally was accompanied by two girls Laura and Louisa, who play pivotal parts in the narrative,) also has a great grasp of the history of the places he visits, carrying echoes of Freya Stark and Evelyn Waugh, highlights include Twilight in Lahore, the entire trek through Turkey (including seeing a James Bond movie, Dr No, in Kashgar). It’s clear this work would have clearly marked William Dalrymple down as an author to watch. 

FROM THE HOLY MOUNTAIN

Published in 1998 and subtitlted A Joourney in the Shadow of Byzantium, From the Holy Mountain focuses on trips to Israel and Egypt. Certainly a more spiritual work than what had gone before, Dalrymple wanted to explore the Christian perspective in the Middle East . There is a real atmosphere of unease as Dalrymple tangles with the Israeli army and journey’s into the heart of bomb raised Beirut , as always though Dalrymple’s humour helps carry you through.

Taking as his route the ancient silk one of old Byzantium and following in the footsteps of the monk John Moschos (the 6th century oral historian), Tales From The Holy Mountain is a work of lyrical power.

THE AGE OF KHALI

This book, also from 1998, is a collection of 19 essays about the Indian subcontinent written during Dalrymple’s lengthy sojourn in the region, the title refers to the concept in ancient Hindu cosmology that time is divided into four great epochs , the Age of Khali being the current one.

The pieces, which were first seen in magazines as diverse as Granta, the Observer, GQ and The Spectator allow us to gain a real insight into the country and whether it be interviews with the likes of Imran Khan and Benazir Bhutto or the fast food invasion of Bangalore The Age of Khali is never less than emminently readable.