Customer Reviews

Inside Himalaya

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"Inside Himalaya" is a beautiful coffee table style book. It is large format and hardcover and printed on glossy paper. There is very little text in this book, just a 2-page introduction by Michael Palin, a 3-page postscript by Basil Pao and a short caption for each of the 300 pictures.

The pictures are wonderful. Some of the best are presented as impressive 2-page spreads, and most of the pictures feature the local people in some way or another. Landscapes may be beautiful but people are what makes life really interesting.

Incidentally, this book should not be confused with the better-known book "Himalaya" by Michael Palin. Both "Himalaya" and "Inside Himalaya" are based on the same Michael Palin trip that was arranged and filmed by the BBC, but there are major differences.

"Himalaya" is Michael Palin's account of the trip; it is illustrated with many pictures by Basil Pao, but the text is the most important part of that book. "Inside Himalaya" is almost 100% photographs by Basil Pao.

Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates beautiful photographs and/or is interested in the Himalayan region of the world.

Rennie Petersen

PS. For those who might be interested, I've written an Amazon "So You'd Like To" guide about Basil Pao and his participation in the Michael Palin trips and the books that have been produced by Basil Pao and Michael Palin. You can find it by clicking on my name and then finding the link to my "So You'd Like To" guides a little ways down on the left of my profile page.

The Himalaya Mountains are majestic, to say the least. I didn't see any yeti, but pretty much everything else is there for your enjoyment. This book is an education unto itself, and a joy to peruse.

I obviously expected photos of wonderful places, but I wasn't prepared for the artistry of Basil Pao's photography. He frames up the most amazing compositions. Every page made me stop and stare. This is an entirely different level of experiencing the same journey. In a way, I say Thanks! Mr. Palin, for going on this adventure so Mr. Pao could come along! (Though of course I loved the TV series and book, too)