This revised edition of the classic work on the rapidly vanishing civilization of Tibet traces the evolution of Tibetan culture from its origins to Tibet's fall to the Chinese Communists in 1959 and the subsequent relocation of Tibetan culture and many Tibetan people.
The authors illuminate the many faces of Tibetan culture, including the geography of Tibet, religion, artistic and literary development, and contemporary Tibetan politics. In discussing the history of this rich Central Asian civilization, they draw parallels with developments in historical Western Europe, as well as detail the assimilation of cultural influences from India and China. The text is illustrated with many rare photographs depicting the art, architecture, secular and sacred objects of Tibet.
David Snellgrove, Ph.D., D.Litt., was Professor of Tibetan Studies at the University of London. He is fellow of the British Academy and author of numerous books and articles on Himalayan and South-East Asian civilizations. Since 1995 he has divided his time between homes in northern Italy and Cambodia. Hugh Richardson was in the civil and foreign services in India and was the last British/Indian Representative in Tibet (until 1950). He taught Tibetan history and language at universities in the United States and Europe, and was the author of 'Tibet and Its History'. His recent passing is eloquently eulogized int he preface of this edition.
This remains one of the very best surveys of the Tibetans, their religion and rich, complex culture, with continuing relevance today, as we witness the ongoing destruction of this culture at the hands of the occupying Chinese population. In Snellgrove's words, the book serves to "keep in public view the clear historical right of the Tibetan people to self-determination." With a new preface, and obituary describing the life and career of Hugh Richardson (1905-2000), by co-author David Snellgrove.

Cultural History of Tibet, David L. Snellgrove and Hugh Richardson, Orchid Press. Paperback, 1968/2003, $40.00

David Snellgrove, Ph.D., D.Litt., was Professor of Tibetan Studies at the University of London. He is a fellow of the British Academy and author of numerous books and articles on Himalayan and South-East Asian civilizations. Since 1995 he has divided his time between homes in northern Italy and Cambodia. Hugh Richardson was in the civil and foreign services in India and was the last British/Indian Representative in Tibet (until 1950). He taught Tibetan history and language at universities in the United States and Europe, and was the author of Tibet and Its History. His recent passing is eloquently eulogized in the preface of this edition.

	Contents: A Cultural History of Tibet
	List of illustrations	1
	Preface to the 2003 edition	7
	Preface to the 1995 edition	11
	Preface to the 1968 edition	15
	Part One: The Early Kings
1	Manifestation of Tibetan Power	19
2	Introduction of Buddhism	66
3	A Later Literary View	95
	Part Two: The Middle Ages
4	Foundations of Monastic Life	111
5	Mongol Overlordship	144
6	Religious Preoccupations	156
	Part Three: The Yellow Hats
7	Their Rise to Power	177
8	Manchu Overlordship	204
9	The Twentieth Century	233
	Epilogue	268
	Aftermath	272
	Notes	284
	Chronological Table	288
	Succession Rules	290
	Pronunciation Rules	291
	Bibliography to the 1968 Edition	293
	Bibliography to the 1978 Edition	295
	Bibliography to the 1995 Edition	298
	Index	303