Magnus Bartlett, Odyssey Books & Guides
Odyssey Books & Guides is one of the few English language travel publishers based in China. For the past 30 years, Odyssey authors have been dedicated to introducing their readers to the irresistible attractions and mysteries of little-known destinations, as well as to those of the more familiar ones.
Odyssey guides all contain detailed cultural and historical information, stunning photography and clear maps, which describe destinations in depth, rather than superficially. The series mainly covers China and Central Asia destinations, such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Yunnan, providing a grassroots travel experience
Emphasis is placed on the distinctive characteristics and culture of a destination, rather than on the practicalities of travelling “to a destination” that is “conventionally” considered to be inaccessible or dangerous. This is the primary objective of Odyssey guides.
Our 35+ guides bring to the attention of Hong Kong residents and tourists the beauty of many places that they may never visit, or ever knew existed. They provide a virtual tour experience, which is respectful of the sensibilities of local people. We look for the positive aspects, to counter the negative impressions projected by the mass media. Numerous illustrations provide visual stepping-stones along the powerful narrative journey. Great shots of scenery and people give readers an “experience” that they cannot derive from their imagination alone.
Odyssey guides aim to ignite the reader’s interest and bring history to life. History is the future. By understanding the past, we gain extremely useful clues about the future.
We endeavor to instill and nurture an interest in these distant and impoverished countries that, while dirt poor, have an innocence and physical beauty that we in the “west” all too often take for granted.
As well as the guide book series, Odyssey has published the book “Over Hong Kong” – a collection of aerial photographs (first published in 1982, and has now sold over 300,000 copies) that show the dramatic annual changes in the urban and natural landscapes of Hong Kong.
The guidebooks are also complemented by a series of large format, illustrated maps that have been produced by Odyssey Maps, a subsidiary of Airphoto International Ltd.
Odyssey guides take the reader to the heart of a destination, bringing to life the atmosphere, the literature, the history, and the culture, which combine to impart the distinctive character to a country, region or city.
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