Across Coveted Lands

"Across Coveted Lands" by Arnold Henry Savage Landor is a detailed account of the author's overland journey from Flushing, Holland, to Calcutta, India. The narrative begins with Landor's experiences in Russia, where he describes the challenges and peculiarities of traveling by train, including the Russian customs process and the cultural nuances of cities like Warsaw and Kiev. Landor provides vivid descriptions of the landscapes and the people he encounters, highlighting the intellectual and religious significance of Kiev and the commercial vibrancy of Warsaw. As he travels further south, he notes the agricultural richness of Kharkoff and the strategic importance of Rostoff. Upon reaching Baku, Landor delves into the oil industry that dominates the region, describing the naphtha wells and the challenges of landing at Persian ports due to the Caspian Sea's unpredictable weather. In Persia, Landor's journey takes him through Enzeli and Resht, where he observes the local customs, trade dynamics, and the influence of Russian and British goods. His narrative is rich with cultural insights and personal anecdotes, offering a comprehensive view of the regions he traverses.