Steve McCurry's account of what he experienced over the year + that he spent travelling through Asia to photograph this book is spell-binding. His photos are fascinating, unique, and of the highest (e.g., National Geograpic) quality. He went to many places where few, if any, other photographers have gone (and endured conditions few would be willing to face). As a result, he got some truly remarkable photos (but be sure to also read the text). This book is unforgettable, and a classic. I discovered it in a bookstall in India several years ago, and want more copies. I am very relieved to hear it is still in print, and still in paperback (at amazon.uk).