During the ensuing thirty years profound changes affected the people and their culture, and the excesses of the Cultural Revolution reached to the very ends of the Chinese empire. In this all-colour photo-essay the authors have captured the essence of what remains of Tibet's former splendour, including the famous Potala, that magnificent residence of the god-king, and the great monasteries of Drepung and Sera, which once housed ten thousand monks apiece.

 

Also illustrated are the cathedral of Lhasa, the street markets and the exquisite summer palace of the Dalai Lama, the Norbulingka. While few have visited Lhasa, even fewer have penetrated Inner Tibet. Photographer Bartlett was fortunate enough to travel to Gyantse, the third city of Tibet, and on to the the capital of Inner Tibet, Shigatse, site of the Panchen Lama's monastery, Tashilumpo.

 

In remarkably fine condition, this great monastery is once again being visited by the devout, and the images of the pilgrims, whether individuals or entire clans, are striking evidence of the recent restoration of relative religious freedom. These brilliant colour photographs present not only aspects of day-to-day life in Tibet, and its architectural wonders, but also the superb panorama of the landscape; while David Bonavia's essay evokes the atmosphere and mystery of the land. Large format oblong hardcover book, with dust jacket, in as New condition.