Named by Moscow Times "the History Book of the Year," The Ghost of Freedom combines riveting storytelling with insightful analysis, in the first general history of the modern Caucasus, stretching from the beginning of Russian imperial expansion up to the rise of new countries after the Soviet Union's collapse. In evocative and accessible prose, Charles King reveals how tsars, highlanders, revolutionaries, and adventurers have contributed to the fascinating history of this borderland, providing an indispensable guide to the complicated histories, politics, and cultures of this intriguing frontier. Based on new research in multiple languages, the book shows how the struggle for freedom in the Caucasus has been a perennial theme over the last two hundred years, shining valuable light on the origins of modern disputes, including the ongoing war in Chechnya, conflicts in Georgia and Azerbaijan, and debates over oil from the Caspian Sea and its impact on world markets. The paperback edition features new material, including an Afterword on the Russian-Georgian war of 2008.

一大早从乔治亚边境入境，展开了我的亚美尼亚之旅，预计傍晚前抵达首都叶绿凡，途中顺道拜访两座修道院以及思凡湖。入境后，发现路边的房子明显变旧，路旁的摊贩也变多了。中午用餐的边界小镇虽然不大，确实重要的工业中心，附近高山景色壮阔，远处的工业高空缆车忙碌地穿梭着。虽然山脚下的河水清澈，但铁工厂冉冉升起的黑烟，把小镇的天空搞得沈郁不堪。倒是餐厅墙上的一幅油画，描绘了小镇该有的景致……