Central Asia, Afghanistan, Tibet, and China: A History of Forbidden Explorations in the Far East recounts the journeys of the explorers--both men and women--who ventured into those parts of the East where entry by Westerners was prohibited. It transports us to the epic tales of these adventurers who, assuming various identities, in disguise, or as slaves, entered Afghanistan, Tibet, China, or the most conflict-ridden countries of Central Asia, thereby risking their lives. Fernando Ballano will take us on a journey through space and time to discover the various Spanish spies--Badía, Gatell, and Cervera--who dared to carry out their work in Morocco; we will witness the executions of Westerners who attempted to enter Timbuktu; how the Frenchman Vieuchange always traveled through the Sahara incognito, visiting the holy city of Smara dressed as a woman, and how Rosita Forbes crossed the Libyan desert dressed as an Arab wife, among many other stories featuring fascinating characters.