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The history of the book in Tibet involves more than literary trends and trade routes. Functioning as material, intellectual, and symbolic object, the book has been an instrumental tool in the construction of Tibetan power and authority, and its history opens a crucial window onto the cultural, intellectual, and economic life of an immensely influential Buddhist society.

Spanning the fourteenth to the eighteenth centuries, Kurtis R. Schaeffer envisions the scholars and hermits, madmen and ministers, kings and queens who produced Tibet's massive canons. He describes how Tibetan scholars edited and printed works of religion, literature, art, and science and what this indicates about the interrelation of material and cultural practices. The Tibetan book is at once the embodiment of the Buddha's voice, a principal means of education, a source of tradition and authority, an economic product, a finely crafted aesthetic object, a medium of Buddhist written culture, and a symbol of the religion itself. Books stood at the center of debates on the role of libraries in religious institutions, the relative merits of oral and written teachings, and the economy of religion in Tibet.

A meticulous study that draws on more than 150 understudied Tibetan sources,The Culture of the Book in Tibet is the first volume to trace this singular history. Through a single object, Schaeffer accesses a greater understanding of the cultural and social history of the Tibetan plateau.

Customer Reviews (1)

Did what it set out to do quite well
"The Culture of the Book" took a detailed look at book-making and the place of books in society in Tibet--a culture in which religious books are literally worshiped--during the 14th-18th centuries. While the books used in the examples were mainly Buddhist texts, the author only touched on Buddhist teachings as they related to the making, ownership, and value of the book. He covered several specific case studies where letters or texts were available which spoke about the process of making books (getting a patron, gathering materials, editing, translating, writing or cutting blocks and block printing the book, etc.) during the different centuries and in different areas of Tibet.

He also covered the social issues surrounding books, like how books were passed on after a person died, how donations were gathered to fund the expensive book-making project, and so on. The appendices contained the full text of a letter quoted in part in the book, a section explaining the contents of the Buddhist Canons for those of us who didn't know, and a chart showing the cost of making the Canon in his Degé example.

The wording used was formal but not technical, so it was easy to understand. I found the book interesting, though I felt at times like I would have gotten even more out of it if I was somewhat familiar with Tibetan Buddhism and the history during the time period covered. But maybe not. Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone with an interest in how Tibetan Buddhism influenced book making in Tibet during the 14th-18th centuries.

I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.

Reviewed by Debbie from Different Time, Different Place
(differenttimedifferentplace. blogspot. com) ... Read more

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Examines the lives and times of the Tibetan people, their cultural complexities, the country's astonishing geography, and its economic and political status. ... Read more

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Intimate photographs highlight this study of the culture and daily life of one of the last great nomadic societies and its current political upheavals. ... Read more

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A look at the lands, peoples, and cultures of Tibet
This look at land and people of Tibet emphasizes the struggle of the Tibetan people to maintain their unique way of life in the face of a Chinese occupation.Author Bobbie Kalman presents Tibet as a land shrouded in mystery, known as "the roof of the world" because it is located on the highest and largest plateau in the world.Opening chapters in this book look at the geography and history of Tibet, before focusing on the daily life of nomadic families.After considering the current status of Tibet as a part of China, Kalman looks in some detail at the culture of Tibet, especially as the home of Lamaist Buddhism, a special form of the Buddhist religion whose priests are called lamas.Overall Kalman covers a lot of topics, going for breadth instead of depth in her coverage.Every chapter is broken down into several subcategories, so that a young student researching Tibet will be able to find particular information or see the extent to which a given aspect of Tibet can be explored."The Lands, Peoples, and Cultures Series" focus on the Far East, with three volumes (one on each topic) devoted to Japan, China, and India.Tibet was the first single volume in the series."Tibet" is illustrated with color photographs, of the terrain and people, as well as the shaggy yak and most notably of a gaint "thangkas" on display. ... Read more

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The proceedings of the seminars of the International Association for Tibetan Studies (IATS) have developed into the most representative world-wide cross-section of Tibetan Studies. They are an indispensable reference-work for anyone interested in Tibet and capture the cutting edge of Tibet-related research.

This volume is the second of three volumes of general proceedings of the Ninth Seminar of the IATS.

It presents a careful selection of scholarly and academic articles on Tibetan Buddhist and Bon religious culture, including a sizeable section of anthropological contributions.

The complete series covers ten volumes. The other seven volumes are the outcome of expert panels. Of special interest to readers of this book are the edited volumes by Katia Buffetrille & Hildegard Diemberger (anthropology: territory and identity), Helmut Eimer & David Germano (Buddhist canon), Toni Huber (anthropology: Amdo cultural revival), Christiaan Klieger (anthropology: presentation of self & identity), and Deborah Klimburg-Salter and Eva Allinger (art history). ... Read more

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Chronicles Tibet's history and society from the seventh century origins of the Tibetan state. Analyses Mongol and Manchu rule in China and the advent of Western imperialism and goes right through to that of Communist China and the achievements of Tibetan secular and religious leaders down to the Dalai Lama. ... Read more

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Demystifying Tibet by Lee Feigon
Demystifying Tibet: Unlocking the Secrets of the Land of the Snows
by Lee Feigon

There is no doubting Lee Feigon's mindset. He holds a chair in East Asian Studies and is Professor of History at Colby College. No surprise then the academic zeal with which he approaches the latest work to add to his erudite canon on Chinese history and politics. But, strange then the unstructured and rambling discourse he then chooses to follow, with it's over-eager use of references (for example, a section describing religious sites is oddly punctuated by a meander into the prevalence of undomesticated canines, and other animals, without even a linking mention of, say, the infamous savage packs of dogs that patrol Dreprung Monastery). Indeed, Feigon fails to deliver a well-formed argument. His style in this book is uncharacteristically piecemeal, clawing together his dissertation with confusing leaps between chronological elements. It is not impossible that this was the symptom of attempting to target a more casual reading audience, but actually producing something that does not adequately communicate to any mass audience.

The lack of structured argument within the book is unfortunate because, within the chaos, Feigon does have a very important academic message to impart. His main tenet is that Tibet should be considered a separate nation and that the inevitable comparisons with China, even across a moral divide between evil China and innocent (almost childlike) Tibet, do injustice to otherwise distinct nations. Notably, China also suffers through this association. Yet, Feigon does not fully develop these ideas, instead preferring to resort to the usual diatribe against Sino-expansionism, towards which he provides dense chronological evidence of Tibetan exploitation and Chinese atrocities. The overall effect is an essentially level-headed analytical argument, but with a bubbling emotive undercurrent yearning for emergence of an independent Tibetan state. I would rather Feigon would have persevered with his academic separatist arguments until their natural conclusion, even if necessarily hypothetical, and he could have abandoned the political activism to NGOs and escapee monks and nuns.

Speaking of insurgency, Feigon makes an interesting claim of CIA involvement in the Dalai Lama's 1959 escape, and further involvement in support of anticommunist guerrillas. If true, then it seems all the more ironic, given the current developments in relations between the USA, and other leading western powers, with China. Another welcome snippet comes from the cameo mention of Lowell Thomas, journalist adventurer and populariser of T.E. Lawrence.

The second half of the book presents most of the anti-Chinese evidence. The opening half of the book concentrates on history, extensively decorated with cultural reference, but amazingly little explanation of religion beyond the historical context. So, Feigon does go some way to revealing the country and culture behind the myth, but in any case, isn't this an outdated premise for the book? Isn't it some time since the West was mystified by Tibet? The modern trend seems to be more one of seduction and vogue, maintaining the romantic notions of a "Land That Time Forgot" that still persist. Simply put, punctuated outsider access to the country and the accumulation of an exhaustive literature, in parallel with the extensive eradication of Tibetan culture by Chinese occupation has corrupted and impoverished most of the ancient secrets of Shangri-La. Apt when James Hilton wrote on the subject, but Feigon's work is a contemporary view where he assumes an antique and static Tibetan culture were it not for China's liberation. This is by definition retrospective and sentimental for a Tibet that ceased to exist decades ago.

"Demystifying Tibet" could be used as a parsimonious introductory guide to Tibetan history and culture, but it does not sufficiently develop any novel analysis. For this there are superior alternatives from that burgeoning modern literature about Tibet: from academia, there is the excellent and balanced "Tibet: The Road Ahead" by Dawa Norbu (1999), from personal Tibetan accounts there is "Tibet: My Story, An Autobiography" by Jetsun Pema (1997) and "Fire Under The Snow" by Palden Gyatso (1998), and from personal non-Tibetan sources there is "Touching Tibet" by Niema Ash (2003). But, perhaps the starting point for anyone wanting to demystify Tibet should be Harrer's "Return To Tibet" (2000), probably the only informed, first-hand comparison from before and after the Chinese Cultural Revolution.

J.F.Derry
07/09/2004
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200 b&w photographs offer a rare glimpse of the land, people, and religious practices of pre-1950 Tibet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An important, entertaining. informitave book
TIBET IN PICTURES, written by Li Gotami Gobinda, was originally published in 1979 in two hardcover volumes andreissued as a one volume soft cover book in 2002.The photos contained in this book (taken 1947-49) have taken on an increased significant historical importance as they are the last, and in many cases the only, photographs to be taken of the Tibetan culture and art before the Chinese invaded in 1950's.

Taken under very difficult circumstances these black and white photos show a number of Tibet's great works of art that were previously unknown to the west andhave now probably been destroyed. To further understand the circumstances under which these photos were taken I would strongly suggest reading THE WAY OF THE WHITE CLOUD, a wonderful book written by her husband , Lama Anagarika Govinda, which chroniclesthe two expeditions that producedthese beautifulphotos.

TIBER IN PICTUREScontains the documentary records of a vanishing culture and as such are the last remaining record of a culture that we never knew and will never see again........

Place this book in your collection along with THE WAY OF THE WHITE CLOUD.......You will not be sorry.
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This visually stunning, full-color portrait of Tibetan life in exile displays the spirit of Tibetan refugees living in the beautifil mountain settings of northern India and shows how they have preserved the best of their unique culture and identity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Beautifully Done!
As a professional photographer, I can honestly say that this is a wonderful book! It is full of fantastic photos of a culture that is struggling to survive. I highly recommend it!

Stunning Work
Ever since I read Heinrich Harrer's "Seven Years in Tibet" six years, then the later "Return to Tibet" by the same author, I was hooked to Tibet, the Tibetan people, the Tibetan land, the Tibetan mountains, the Tibetan monasteries, everything Tibetan.I have cultivated an unspeakable tie to this unique land and its people.I began screening movies such as Kundun and Seven Years in Tibet.I have imagined and pictured Tibet according to Harrer's lively and mindful description during his residence in Lhasa."The Spirit of Tibet" graciously allows me, for the very first time, to see Tibet unveiling its mysterious yet solemn beauty.A few other readers have complimented on the artistics and aesthetics of this collection.The collection really touches me because it communicates an unfailing passion.After the Chinese invasion in 1950, it is the Tibetan spirit and passion that sustain and unite the country and its people.When you look through the pictures, try to look into the Tibetans' eyes.Behind these eyes you will free yourself from the ordinary and see their life struggles, one and one, rooted deep in their mind and soul.

A portrait of a beautiful people in exile
As a photographer and teacher of the photo arts it is easy to realize the quality of capturing the humanity of the people in this beautiful book. Alison Wright has done an excellent job. Place this in you home so that thetragedy that has been inflicted on the Tibetan people by the brutal andruthless government of China is not forgotten.

Additional reads on thesubject should include Tears of Blood / A Cry For Tibet by Mary Craig andfor those who like their history in the style of Hollywood check out KunDun by Martin Scorcese, 7 years in Tibet, and Little Budda.

This bookwill move you to write your elected officials and ask them to supportpolicies that will get China out of Tibet. You may also want to visit theofficial website for the Government of Tibet in Exile.

A beautiful photographic book by an incredible photographer
This book is beautifully shot by a truly skilled photographer -- a must have for anyone with an interest in photography or of the people of Tibet.

Wright's connection and love of Tibet shines apparent
San Francisco Sunday Examiner and ChronicleBy Linda Watanabee McFerrinFreelance photojournalist Alison Wright's vivid portrait of Tibetan life in exile will kindle the warmth in any heart. In her vibrant visualsojourn with the Tibetan refugees in Dharamsala, India,she reveals livesrich in reflection and celebration, and creates a doorway into aculturethat survives in spite of travail. Nuns, monks, musicians, yakherders, children, the survivors of political prisons and His Holiness, theDalai Lama, animate the pages. Her compositions are stunning, the color andlight with which she adeptly enflames her subjects exuding both strengthand intimacy. A short forward by the photographer underscores the spirit ofthe composition, but truly this is a book that needs few words. Wright,whose work appears frequently in the Examiner, is most articulate in herphotography; and that is worth countless lines of text. "Good intentvery important. Most important in all that you do. Never forget, " theDalai Lama advises her in a garden encounter in Dharamsala. In her work,Wright makes it clear that the message is, indeed, unforgettable. ... Read more

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For young and old. ... Read more

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Who said only the Europeans have epics?
I'll admit, if this book hadn't been required reading for a class I took on East Asian folklore, I probably never would've read "Gesar!"But, having read it, I have definitely gained a greater appreciation for the Tibetan cultural tradition.

"Gesar!" is a simply told story, understandable by all ages.Despite many culturally-specific elements, this is a universal story.

If you are looking for a less well-known epic tale, or just want a good read, I recommend "Gesar!" ... Read more

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Les achats comprennent une adhésion à l'essai gratuite au club de livres de l'éditeur, dans lequel vous pouvez choisir parmi plus d'un million d'ouvrages, sans frais. Le livre consiste d'articles Wikipedia sur : Culture Contemporaine Dans La Région Autonome Du Tibet, Ligne Ferroviaire Qing-Zang, Comité Préparatoire à L'établissement de La Région Autonome Du Tibet, Réserve Naturelle Du Qomolangma. Non illustré. Mises à jour gratuites en ligne. Extrait : La Région autonome du Tibet est née officiellement en 1965. Ses limites coïncident à peu près avec celles du territoire qui était régi par les 13e et 14e dalaï-lamas et jouissait d'une indépendance non reconnue internationalement. Partie intégrante de la République populaire de Chine, elle forme le « Tibet administratif » ou « officiel ». Avec les préfectures et districts tibétains autonomes des provinces limitrophes ou voisines (Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan et Yunnan), la région autonome, dite parfois « Tibet politique », forme le « Tibet ethnographique » ou « culturel », dit aussi parfois « Grand Tibet » . Le qualificatif « contemporain » ne désigne pas la même fourchette chronologique selon qu'il s'applique à l'histoire ou à l'art : l'« époque contemporaine » couvre, pour les écoles historiographiques autres que la française, les 75 années précédant le moment présent, tandis que l'« art contemporain » n'est pas antérieur à 1945 ou, de plus en plus, à 1960. Le concept de « culture contemporaine » s'oppose généralement à celui de « culture traditionnelle ». Il existe aujourd'hui deux représentations différentes de la culture et de son développement dans la région autonome du Tibet. La République populaire de Chine, dont le Tibet est une nationalité, met en avant une nouvelle culture originale qui se développe grâce à la généralisation de l'enseignement en tibétain et en chinois et à l'apparition de médias modernes. Le gouvernement tibétain en exil, installé à Dharamsala en Inde, co...http://booksllc.net/?l=fr ... Read more

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Les achats comprennent une adhésion à l'essai gratuite au club de livres de l'éditeur, dans lequel vous pouvez choisir parmi plus d'un million d'ouvrages, sans frais. Le livre consiste d'articles Wikipedia sur : Culture Contemporaine Dans La Région Autonome Du Tibet, Culture Tibétaine Sous Administration Chinoise, Mandala, Calendrier Tibétain, Sengo, Miss Tibet, Lion Des Neiges, Pa Drengen Changchop Simpa, Losar, Lingkhor, Musée Heinrich Harrer, Thangka, Bibliothèque Des Archives et Des Œuvres Tibétaines, Institut Norbulingka, Emblème Du Tibet, Taktsé, Guilde Artistique Gedun Choephel, Fabrication Traditionnelle de Tapis Tibétain, Nomade Du Sel, Institut Central D'études Supérieures Tibétaines, Institut Tibétain Des Arts Du Spectacle, Ache Lhamo, Mönlam, Zhoton. Non illustré. Mises à jour gratuites en ligne. Extrait : La Région autonome du Tibet est née officiellement en 1965. Ses limites coïncident à peu près avec celles du territoire qui était régi par les 13e et 14e dalaï-lamas et jouissait d'une indépendance non reconnue internationalement. Partie intégrante de la République populaire de Chine, elle forme le « Tibet administratif » ou « officiel ». Avec les préfectures et districts tibétains autonomes des provinces limitrophes ou voisines (Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan et Yunnan), la région autonome, dite parfois « Tibet politique », forme le « Tibet ethnographique » ou « culturel », dit aussi parfois « Grand Tibet » . Le qualificatif « contemporain » ne désigne pas la même fourchette chronologique selon qu'il s'applique à l'histoire ou à l'art : l'« époque contemporaine » couvre, pour les écoles historiographiques autres que la française, les 75 années précédant le moment présent, tandis que l'« art contemporain » n'est pas antérieur à 1945 ou, de plus en plus, à 1960. Le concept de « culture contemporaine » s'oppose généralement à celui de « culture traditionnelle ». Il existe aujourd'hui deux représentations différentes de l...http://booksllc.net/?l=fr ... Read more

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anthology, many essays on politics of modern Tibet ... Read more

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Tibet. Standard Tibetan, History of Tibet, History of Tibet 1912- 1949, Geography of Tibet, Economy of Tibet, Tibetan culture, Tibetan Buddhism, Bön, Tibetan Muslims, List of Buddhist monasteries in Tibet, Tibet Autonomous Region, Definitions of Tibet, Tibetan diaspora ... Read more

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George Patterson arranged for the escape of the Dalai Lama and his brother from Tibet and he is the winner of Hollywood's 1996 Opus Magnum Discovery Award. "...Please accept my thanks for your great interest in my people and myself, and for your many efforts on our behalf..." These words were written by the Dalai Lama's oldest brother following his successful escape from Tibet. He traveled through India and on to the United States carrying important documents from the Dalai Lama to the American President. The escape was arranged while China's Communist leaders were forcing the Tibetan delegation in China to sign an Agreement handing over Tibet to their military imposed rule. This spectacular escape was one of a series of George Patterson's incredible adventures on behalf of Tibet's fight against Chinese domination. He first arrived in China and Tibet as a missionary in a unique "exploration of God." He quickly became friendly with the leaders of Tibet's warlike tribes, learned the language, their culture and their plans for revolution from a renegade Marxist scholar. His initial reports of imminent Chinese invasion of Tibet were ridiculed by the government, diplomatic and intelligence officials. Then, later, when China brutally annexed Tibet and the Tibetan leaders revolted, the author's journalistic reports in national and international media were dismissed by world statesmen like India's Prime Minister as "alarmist bazaar rumors" and he was threatened with expulsion. He was publicly vindicated when the Dalai Lama dramatically escaped to India. Since then the author has been involved in journalistic reporting of events in Tibet and other oppressed nations, and worldwide problems of international drug trafficking and money-laundering. --- from book's back cover ... Read more