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Into the Carpathians: A Journey Through the Heart and History of East Central Europe (Part 2: The Western Mountains)
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About Into The Carpathians: A Journey Through The Heart
Product Description Finalist, 2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards: Travel and Regional Non-Fiction categories. The journey continues in Part 2 of Into the Carpathians: a compelling chronicle of a hiking and wildlife research expedition along the Carpathian and Sudeten Mountains, from Romania to Germany, some 800 miles as the crow flies. Still on the trail of wolves, we now explore the enchanting mountain landscapes of Slovakia, Poland, and the Czech Republic, where encounters with wolves, bears, and lynx; lumberjacks, shepherds, and outlaws; poets, tyrants, and saints; sprites, spirits, and witches; and such ancient peoples as Neanderthals, Celts, and Quadi--and such imposing historical figures as Marcus Aurelius of the Roman Empire, Prince Svatopluk of Great Moravia, Stephen I of the Kingdom of Hungary, Boleslaw the Brave of the Kingdom of Poland, and Jan Sobieski of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth--provide broad insight into the natural, historical, and mythological forces that have shaped, and continue to shape, the cultures, nations, and psyches along the way. 72 color photographs also emblaze this memorable trek. Review "... the star of the book is always the setting. It describes grand mountainsides, picturesque towns, crumbling ruins, and ever-changing weather in reverent prose. Throughout, it weaves in extensive, enthusiastic discussions of each region's history and culture, both ancient and modern.... Into the Carpathians depicts a journey so breathtaking that it will make even those who dislike the outdoors want to pack a bag and see Sparks's marvels for themselves." ― Foreword Clarion Reviews "Sparks offers complex observations of Carpathian life, past and present, and skillfully captures camp life.... His details of nature often take readers there: One feels the rain pounding the tent, the fairytale-evoking mood of an ancient forest. The writing is a pleasure to read, even the packed, long sentences dense with historical or ethnographic information.... those who love trekking, outdoor adventure narratives, and Central European history, will enjoy learning about this little-covered geography in travel and nature literature." ― BlueInk Review "... readers will appreciate the thoroughness of Sparks's research, and the way he tells the story of the trip will keep them turning the pages." ― BookLife Reviews From the Back Cover The Carpathian Mountains--legendary land of Gothic castles, eerie accents, and the depredations of vampires and werewolves. But what are the Carpathian Mountains really like? Do Western readers know what really lurks in the dense forests blanketing the steep mountain slopes? (The most significant populations of wild animals remaining in Europe west of Russia.) Do they know what survives in the scenic valleys and on the lofty meadows? (The "old life" of rural Europe.) Do they know what diverse forms the craggy ridges have given to the many cultures and nations of Central and Eastern Europe, and to human imaginations the world over? (Too varied to summarize on a cover.) Do they know how it feels to explore the landscape's challenging contours? (Invigorating, rewarding, exasperating, enlightening...) Enter Into the Carpathians to discover a beautiful and enchanting world of adventure, history, mystery, and more! About the Author Alan E. Sparks is the award-winning author of Dreaming of Wolves and Into the Carpathians, and has written articles about wolves for International Wolf Magazine and other publications. As a writer, teacher of English as a second language, commercial actor, and web designer - and as an avid walker, hiker, backcountry skier, animal tracker, and student of history and culture - he has lived, worked, and trekked extensively in the Carpathian Mountain region of Central and Eastern Europe.
