Journeys to Empire: Enlightenment, Imperialism, and the British Encounter with Tibet, 1774-1904 [Hardcover]

Gordon T. Stewart (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521515025 | ISBN-13: 978-0521515023 | Publication Date: July 6, 2009 | Edition: 1

This fascinating study of two British missions to Tibet in 1774 and 1904 provides a unique perspective on the relationship between the Enlightenment and European colonialism. Gordon Stewart compares and contrasts the Enlightenment era mission led by George Bogle and the Edwardian mission of Francis Younghusband as they crossed the Himalayas into Tibet. Through the British agents' diaries, reports, and letters and by exploring their relationships with Indians, Bhutanese and Tibetans, Stewart is able to trace the shifting ideologies, economic interests and political agendas that lay behind British empire-building from the late eighteenth century to the early twentieth century. This compelling account sheds new light on the changing nature of British imperialism, on power and intimacy in the encounter between East and West, and on the relationship of history and memory.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...it is in Stewart's overall thesis of the nexus between Enlightenment and imperialism as exemplified by Bogle and Younghusband that we find the strength of this valuable and interesting book." -David Templeman, H-Buddhism

"...a very useful book as he helps the reader visit and revisit Tibet..." -Yash Nandan

"...engaging study..." -Charles W. J. Withers, Canadian Journal of History

"This carefully researched and well-written study provides a significant if small additional piece of the puzzle that is the history of the British-Tibetan relationship." -J. Jeffrey Franklin, Victorian Studies

Book Description

This compelling account of two British missions to Tibet in 1774 and 1904 provides a unique perspective on the relationship between the Enlightenment and European colonialism. Stewart traces the shifting ideologies, economic interests and political agendas that lay behind British empire-building from the late eighteenth century to the twentieth century.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (July 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521515025
• ISBN-13: 978-0521515023
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,941,369 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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