1998, new ed. 370 pp, 110 color, 20 b/w photos, 18 maps. Long considered the most authoritative and complete cultural and travel guide to Tibet. This award-winning book is an informative, interesting and clearly written guide to Central and Western Tibet. As a Tibetan Buddhist monk, the author, Stephen Batchelor, was emersed in the Tibetan language, culture and religion for many years.
He has since disrobed, but continues to study and lecture on Buddhism all over the world. Not surprisingly, then, this guide book focuses on Monestaries, Nunnaries, Temples and other places of religious interest in Tibet. In addition, it contains an introduction to Tibetan Buddhism and an exhaustive iconographical guide, as well as a detailed suggested reading list on the subject, and a foreward by the Dali Lama.
However, the book goes beyond Tibet's ubiquitous religion and also contains many beautiful colour photographs, an interesting and balanced account of the History of Tibet, a guide to travelling to and from Tibet, some 'useful Tibetan words and phrases' and other 'basic information for the visitor'. In summary, this is a fascinating and highly reccomended guide to Tibet.
