Commissioned by the Chinese to map a road through one of the most inhospitable regions in the world, Hedin set out on a journey that saw him become entangled in a bloody war for independence that was raging in the province. Struggling through the battle-scarred land, he encountered rebel fighters and bandits, was imprisoned and nearly executed. An enthralling account of drama and high adventure,The Trail of War is an extraordinary portrait of Central Asia and its people.