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Some people have questioned the accuracy of the information. It's essentially an adventure travel guide combined with the CIA World FactBook. Although I did a lot of traveling through questionable places overseas, it was before I had this book. Robert Young Pelton hits all of the world's hot spots, and there is an edge of sensationalism to the writing. I suppose the world has gotten even dangerous (at least for Americans) since 9/11, so presumably newer editions reflect this. I cannot speak to that, but obviously situations in some of these, shall we say, less frequented destinations change on a daily basis, as political or military winds blow. At least the disclaimer includes the warning that, "our advice is more likely to kill you than save your life." ().Still, I have never seen so much difficult-to-find information presented in one book before.
I own the second edition (1997). D'oh.So for me personally, I have read and enjoyed it for entertainment value--and, so as not to minimize the book's value, to educate myself--rather than as an in-country guide. I would not be surprised if intelligence operatives and field agents from our own government's agencies are issued with DP. So even having a good guide does not preclude information from becoming quickly outdated, and it's each suicidal traveler to his or her own.To be sure, this is real Soldier of Fortune stuff. After all, who else other than journalists, mercenaries, and diplomats want to (or for that matter, even need to) go to most of these places. Am I the only one who thinks the photo on the cover of RYP looks EXACTLY like Harvey Keitel with a moustache. Travel safe.The life you save may be your own.
Pelton gives who, what and whens of the location in discussion. A must read for anyone suffering from wanderlust. Could be a good book for those that question the validity of the media
He wrote: "The problem with arming and training people to launch clandestine attacks in a neighboring country is that they always come back home." in this book under review. Many many years ago Mr. Robert Young Pelton predicted so correctly about the effect of Pakistan arming militants and terrorists against India as a "fourth line of defence". The situation in Pakistan is what Mr. Pelton referred to long years ago.
An overall thorough book about hot spots in the world that our nightly news rarely mentions. I feel that this really adds to the book's authenticity. I like Pelton's writing style because it is written in easily understood language splashed with a sarcastic sense of humor. Pelton seems to have a lot of connections with the warlords, governors and militiamen he writes about, adding his own personal experiences to the book. Overall, this is a great book to have by the side of the TV while watching BBC. :)
I bought this book as a gift for a friend who owns an older copy, a copy printed before 09-11-2001. He loves the new edition, my friend has not put the book down since I gave it to him on Christmas. I look forward to reading "The World's Most Dangerous Places" myself.
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