Merv: A Story of Adventures and Captivity is a novel written by Edmund O'Donovan and published in 1884. The story is set in the 19th century and follows the adventures of the protagonist, Harry Larkyns, a young British officer who is sent to the city of Merv, located in present-day Turkmenistan, to gather intelligence about the region. Upon his arrival, Harry finds himself embroiled in a complex web of political intrigue, as various factions within the city vie for power and influence. He is captured by a group of Turkmen raiders and held captive for several months, during which time he witnesses firsthand the brutality and violence of their way of life. Despite the danger he faces, Harry remains determined to escape and return to his home country. With the help of a local woman named Zora, he devises a plan to flee from his captors and make his way back to civilization. Throughout the novel, O'Donovan paints a vivid picture of life in Central Asia during the 19th century, with its exotic landscapes, colorful characters, and complex political rivalries. His descriptions of Harry's captivity and subsequent escape are particularly gripping, offering a thrilling and suspenseful narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Overall, Merv: A Story of Adventures and Captivity is a captivating and well-written novel that offers a fascinating glimpse into a little-known corner of the world. It is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction, adventure stories, or tales of survival against all odds.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.