Description
2004 Collector's Edition Signed The Long Walk Slavomir Rawicz Fine condition (see photos) Gilded page ends Satin page marker pp. 242 Dimensions: 9 1/4" x 6" x 1 1/4" "The Long Walk" is a book by Sławomir Rawicz, first published in 1956, claiming to recount his escape from a Siberian Gulag camp in 1941. Rawicz, a Polish Army lieutenant, describes how he and six others fled the camp during a blizzard and trekked over 6,500 km (4,000 miles) south through the Gobi Desert, Tibet, and the Himalayas to reach British India in 1942. The group included three Polish soldiers, a Latvian landowner, a Lithuanian architect, an American engineer named "Mr. Smith," and a 17-year-old Polish girl, Kristina, who joined them later. Four died during the journey, with two perishing in the Gobi Desert and two in the Himalayas. The book details extreme hardships, including starvation, dehydration, and encounters with harsh environments, and even mentions spotting yeti-like creatures. However, the story's authenticity has been heavily debated. A 2006 BBC report, citing Soviet records and statements allegedly from Rawicz, indicates he was released under a 1942 amnesty for Polish prisoners and sent to a refugee camp in Iran, suggesting the escape never happened. In 2009, Witold Gliński, another Polish WWII veteran, claimed the story was his own, not Rawicz’s, adding to the controversy. Critics like Peter Fleming and Eric Shipton have questioned details, such as surviving 12 days without water in the Gobi Desert or the lack of hospital records in India. Despite this, the book, ghostwritten by Ronald Downing, has sold over 500,000 copies, been translated into 25 languages, and inspired the 2010 film The Way Back. It’s praised for its gripping narrative of human endurance, though many view it as fictionalized. AI
Igor Pc897d7
Rapid delivery. Very well packaged. Excellent service. NOTE: The following is NOT this seller's fault - just an observation about this book. The book is in very good condition but unfortunately the original publisher (1928) did not check what was sent out from the printing office. The book is missing one chapter and includes two exact duplicate copies of another chapter. It does however have several excellent maps and I have decided to keep it. The seller still deserves an excellent review.
EricSb02ce52
Rcvd. March 22nd. This vintage book was very well packaged. It is exactly as described. It was also great value for the money I paid for it. It is in excellent condition for its age. Many Thanks.
user2297190f
A very special book, exactly as described and at a fair price. It was neatly and carefully packed and promptly shipped, with my thanks.