Tom Vater is a distinguished writer and publisher whose work is predominantly set in Asia. He captivates readers with gripping narratives infused with dark undertones, often drawing from his extensive experiences in the Far East. Vater's writing is characterized by raw realism and a penetrating insight into human nature within exotic settings. His novels and novellas frequently explore the boundaries of morality and fate in complex, perilous situations, establishing him as a unique voice in noir and crime fiction.
The adventure begins in 1992 when mechanic Peter Hauser and two friends embark on a daring journey from southern Germany across the Sahara to Togo. Their mission involves driving three old cars with the intention of selling them upon arrival. The narrative captures the challenges and experiences they face during this remarkable road trip, highlighting themes of friendship, resilience, and the thrill of exploration in an unfamiliar and rugged landscape.
The story follows a diverse group known as The Green Panthers, consisting of Clara Green and her companions, who form a covert, multinational force dedicated to combating corporate pollution. Their mission emphasizes accountability for environmental damage, showcasing their determination and teamwork in the face of corporate greed. The narrative explores themes of activism, environmental justice, and the impact of collective action.
Set against the backdrop of the 1976 hippie trail, four friends—Dan, Fred, Tim, and Thierry—embark on a journey from London to Kathmandu filled with unexpected challenges. As their adventure unfolds, the group faces various obstacles that test their friendship and resolve, leading to unforeseen twists along the way. The narrative explores themes of camaraderie, adventure, and the unpredictability of travel.
The story follows Becker, a British traveler facing difficulties, and Madhurima, an ambitious police officer, as they collaborate to uncover corruption within the city's elite. Through three gripping narratives, their partnership exposes the dark underbelly of high society, blending suspense and intrigue.
Expert author Tom Vater explores the shimmering temples and bustling cities of this UNESCO World Heritage site in the only standalone guide to the destination.
CAMBODIA: A JOURNEY THROUGH THE LAND OF THE JHYMAR throws the doors to this small Southeast Asian kingdom wide open and invites both visitors and armchair travelers on a trip through the history and landscape of Cambodia while introducing the country s people, their unique and resilient culture and colorful festivals.
Cambodia expert Tom Vater offers his inside perspective on one of the most important- and beautiful- archaeological sites in Southeast Asia
The book offers a captivating photographic exploration of contemporary Burma, highlighting its rich culture, diverse population, and resilient spirit. Through evocative images, it captures the essence of a nation transitioning from a troubled history, showcasing the beauty and complexity of everyday life in this vibrant country.
Sacred tattoos, called 'sak yant' in Thailand, have been around Southeast Asia for centuries and afford protection from accident, misfortune, and crime. Young women get tattooed with love charms in order to attract partners, while adolescent men use the protective power of their yants in fights with rival youth gangs. For most though, the tattoos serve as reminders to follow a moral code that endorses positive behavior. During the application of a sak yant, the tattoo master establishes a series of life 'rules' that need to be closely adhered to, starting with Buddhism's first five precepts. Failure to observe the master's instructions will cause the sak yant to lose their power. Beautifully photographed these are tattoos that are the essence and 'key' to individual identity, a philosophy for living, the translation of soul to skin, as complex as the leaves of an autobiography, the story of a life.
