Magic and Mystery in Tibet [Paperback]

Alexandra David-Neel (Author), A. D'Arsonval (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1971

Seeker, adventurer, pilgrim, and scholar, David-Neel (1868–1969) was the first European woman to explore the once-forbidden city of Lhasa. This memoir offers an objective account of the supernatural events she witnessed during the 1920s among the mystics and hermits of Tibet — including levitation, telepathy, and the ability to walk on water. Includes 32 photographs.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, French (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 321 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; Illustrated edition (June 1, 1971)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486226824
• ISBN-13: 978-0486226828
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #161,859 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #12 in Books > Travel > Asia > Tibet

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, June 3, 1998

By 

G.Evans (South Africa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magic and Mystery in Tibet (Paperback)

Intelligent, witty and insightful. Alexandra David-Neel was, to put it bluntly, "one hell of a woman." Her frank and colourful descriptions of Tibet make one yearn for the past. For example, the Lama with a plat of hair down to his feet, who wears golden earings and is dressed like some Chinese geni. I found her cutting and frank humour delightful, her scheptical comments forthright even when faced with inexplicable incidents that unfurl before her eyes. Considering that this book was first published in 1932, the lady was well before her time. New agers will have a challange catching up with her insights, let alone her knowledge of Buddist spirituality. Highly recommended!

63 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Introduction to the "wow!" aspects of Tibetan spirituality, May 22, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Magic and Mystery in Tibet (Paperback)

I have enjoyed this book for many years. It gives a colorful description of the more unusual aspects of Tibetan and Bon religious practice. One chapter, for example, interestingly called "Psychic Sports", describes the lung-gom-pas runners who run incredible distances while in a trance, warming oneself in the snow through psychic heat, telepathy, etc. The author was a hardy traveler and a practicing Buddhist -- and a no-nonsense observer of the world around her -- so her observations ring true. Since this book was written early in the century, it is refreshingly free of the political controversies that surround modern Tibet; instead, it describes an earlier, purer Tibetan culture, long before the Chinese tried to destroy it. I would have liked to meet this author -- she must have been a fascinating woman!

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating book, leaves you wanting more, March 2, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Magic and Mystery in Tibet (Paperback)

This must be a classic book on Tibetan religion and mysticism. It is based on observations from some truly remarkable journeys in Tibet; I only wonder why the author restricts herself when relating what she has seen and heard. Part of the reason may be that she is a sceptical Western-style Buddhist and does not want to be judged as "airy-fairy" by her audience. Nevertheless, she tells of some absolutely fantastic occurences which are rendered even more authentic by her dry, understated style. A fearless person, she handles situations that would have scared most of us out of our wits! But for fear of ridicule, she could no doubt have written a much longer text on this subject.