Description
By: Ferdinand Ossendowski (1876-1945)
Beasts, Men and Gods by Ferdinand Ossendowski is a captivating and thought-provoking account of the author’s travels through Mongolia and Tibet in the early 20th century. Ossendowski’s vivid descriptions of the landscapes, cultures, and people he encounters on his journey provide a fascinating glimpse into a world that was vastly different from the one most of us know.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Ossendowski’s interactions with the various groups of people he meets along the way, from nomadic herders to Buddhist monks. His observations and insights into their customs, beliefs, and way of life are both enlightening and respectful, allowing readers to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for these cultures.
Additionally, Ossendowski’s encounters with mystical figures and supernatural beings add an element of mystery and intrigue to the narrative, blurring the lines between reality and myth. These fantastical elements, combined with Ossendowski’s engaging storytelling, make for a truly captivating read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Overall, Beasts, Men and Gods is a compelling and immersive account of a journey through a land of ancient traditions, spiritual insights, and hidden mysteries. Ossendowski’s keen observations, engaging prose, and adventurous spirit make this book a must-read for anyone interested in exploration, culture, and the human experience.
Book Description:
“Beasts, Men and Gods” is an account of an epic journey, filled with perils and narrow escapes, in the mold of “The Lord of the Rings.”
The difference is: it’s all true.
Ferdinand Ossendowski was a Pole who found himself in Siberia and on the losing side during the Bolshevik Revolution. To escape being rounded up and shot, he set out with a friend to reach the Pacific, there to take ship back to Europe. During his journey he fell in with dozens of other military men who shared the same objective… but nearly every one of them perished on the way.
It’s up to you to decide whether Ossendowski was threatened most by the beasts, by the men, or by the gods, or indeed, by the severe and uncompromising landscapes of Siberia, Mongolia, and China. That he survived at all seems improbable. The mystical mysteries and magics of Buddhism, “The Yellow Faith”, were woven about and through his sojourn and had no little part in his survival. Time after time he was put in the delicate position of being the bargainer between warring groups, and ultimately, only incredible luck and his friendship with the Hutuktu of Narabanchi Monastery saw him through.
When published in the United States, this book caused a sensation and became a best-seller.
