Thomas Gaskell Allen
Across Asia on a bicycle : $b the journey of two American students from Constantinople to Peking
"Across Asia on a Bicycle" by Thomas Gaskell Allen Jr. and William Lewis Sachtleben is a travel narrative written in the late 19th century. This account details the adventures of two American students who undertake an ambitious bicycle journey from Constantinople to Peking, covering over 15,000 miles across diverse terrains and cultures. The book explores the challenges and encounters faced by the travelers as they navigate through various regions of Asia, often unaccompanied and relying on their resourcefulness and burgeoning language skills. At the start of their journey, the authors embark on their expedition with excitement and trepidation as they disembark in Asia, bringing the reader into their world filled with vibrant descriptions of the people and landscapes they encounter. They express a desire not simply to make a record but to gain a deeper understanding of the cultures they traverse. The narrative captures their early experiences in Turkey, including interactions with local inhabitants, the challenges of transportation, and the reactions of curious crowds. As they push forward through unknown territories, they establish their intention to learn and immerse themselves fully in the unfamiliar environments, setting the stage for the remarkable journey that unfolds throughout the book.