Sven Hedin
Hedin, Sven (Anders) (1865–1952), a Swedish explorer, geographer, and author. He made geographical discoveries during his travels in Central Asia. Hedin attended the universities of Uppsala, Berlin, and Halle, where he received a Ph.D. in 1892. His first trip was to Mesopotamia (Iraq) and Persia, 1885–86. During 1893–97 he traveled from European Russia to Beijing along the route used by Marco Polo.
In 1899–1902, Hedin crossed the Gobi Desert and penetrated little-known Tibet. An extended scientific exploration of China, 1927–35, revealed new geographical information.
Among Hedin's travel books are: Through Asia (1898); Adventures in Tibet (1904); My Life as an Explorer (1925); and The Silk Road (1936).