Burma's Icy Mountains describes two expeditions to Burma--one on his own and a second, with a larger American party close to the Burma-China border--completed by the intrepid British explorer and plant hunter, Kingdon-Ward, prior to the outbreak of WWII. Not published until the post war period some ten years later, the book is of particular interest in light of the more recent traumatic history of this region, and has become one of the author's most sought-after titles.

Aside from its relevance to those interested in Kingdon-Ward's own focus on the rich botanical diversity of this still inaccessible region, his vivid descriptions of the terrain, the fauna and the peoples--including Tibetans, Lisu, Lashi, Kachin and Nung--encountered enroute make this true chronicle of hardship and perseverance come alive.