I read Leslie Downer's brief article about 'Language Hunting in the Karakoram' in the Summer 2020 issue of 'Slightly Foxed,' a wonderful British literary magazine focused on often obscure or forgotten works of fiction and non-fiction. I was intrigued enough to seek out the book itself -- it's available primarily in larger academic libraries. And I found the book to be fascinating. It's largely a travel book -- the background (a previous posting in Gilgut in the 1920s) and mounting an expedition and traveling to Aliabad in the 1930s consume a good portioni.of the book and it's thrilling. The story of life in Aliabad becomes an early form of ethnography, before such things existed, told by the capably observant and endlessly inquisitive Emily Lorimer, while her husband, David, tackles the philology and linguistics of Burushaski. While there are observations and comments that carry the freight of colonialism and can make a reader wince, the book is a remarkable glimpse into a culture that has all but disappeared, a language that is disappearing, and a remote corner of the world that while today is far better connected (with electricity and accessible by road) is far more dangerous as a consequence of ongoing Pakistan-India conflict over Kashmir and the intentions of China. If you have any interest in this region or in language, make an attempt to borrow this book. ( )