Mirrorlands: Russia, China, and Journeys in Between

Mirrorlands is a journey through space and time to the meeting points of Russia and China, charting an unconventional course southeast through Siberia, Inner Mongolia, the Russian Far East, and Manchuria. It explores the shared history of these two vast empires and the diverse daily interactions between residents of the Russia-China borderlands, offering a vivid portrait of centuries of cross-border encounter, mimicry, and conflict.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2019
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

Mirrorlands is an extraordinary journey that takes us through the vast expanses of space and time, to the meeting points of two colossal nations: Russia and China. As an anthropologist and linguist, Ed Pulford embarks on an unconventional route, traversing the remote regions of Siberia, Inner Mongolia, the Russian Far East, and Manchuria. Along the way, he encounters a diverse range of people and places, many of which are unknown not only to outsiders but also to the residents of the capital cities where his journey begins and ends.

What sets Russia and China apart goes far beyond their perceived roles as authoritarian post-socialist states or threats to Western hegemony. Their shared history can only be fully understood from a deeply local, borderland perspective. Through his travels, Pulford meticulously maps the striking similarities in the ways these two vast empires have governed their Eurasian domains, spanning centuries of cross-border encounters, mimicry, and conflict.

Mirrorlands is a profound exploration of the diverse daily interactions between the residents of the Russia-China borderlands, and the resulting visions they hold of "Europe" and "Asia." It paints a vivid portrait of centuries of cross-border encounters, cultural exchange, and conflict, which are essential in understanding the global place and identity of these two powerful world powers.

This captivating journey offers a unique perspective on the complex relationship between Russia and China, shedding light on their shared heritage, cultural influences, and geopolitical challenges. Through his meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Pulford invites us to explore the depths of this fascinating region and gain a deeper understanding of the world we live in.

Weight: 612g
Dimension: 222 x 148 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787381384