Customer Reviews

Sherpas: Reflections on Change in Himalayan Nepal

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A very informative and readable book. The author provides a thoughtful and moving account of the Sherpas and how their community is being transformed by the forces of modernization. The book is well-researched, thorough, and balanced. The author's personal accounts and anecdotes that cover a quarter of a century, complemented by excellent photographs, are particular strengths. Excellent reading for anyone with an interest in the Sherpas of Nepal.

James Fisher worked with Edmund Hillary in the early 1960's to establish the early Sherpa schools in Khumjung and Jung Gompa (Junbesi) as well as the medical supplies landing strips at Lukla and Phaplu. Thus he learned first hand the basics of Sherpa culture and economy; he had a good working understanding of Sherpa moral values, too.

Returning to USA for PhD in Anthropology, Prof. Fisher developed a theoretical understanding of human society. He then coupled theory with his practical knowledge of Sherpa life, and did several outstanding studies of Sherpa culture which ask the right questions of the appropriate spokespeople resulting in culturally accurate answers.

Sherpa Friendship Association always recommends Sherpas: Reflections on Change as the first book anyone should read to answer the vital questions: what is happening to Sherpa society now? Is Sherpa religion dead? Have Sherpa values collapsed into generic materialism? Many folks recently returned from Himalayan trekking or those studying vajrayana buddhism, as well as Sherpa leaders, are very concerned to find these answers. You will find Prof. Fisher's answers accurate and positive, because he does not ask random informants (or informants with mischievious motivation) like many other anthroplogists who go on to write books on Sherpas.

Essentially, Fisher's interviews show that Sherpa culture remains vibrant, moral, and strongly religious. Great book, highly recommended!

A very informative and readable book. The author provides a thoughtful and moving account of the Sherpas and how their community is being transformed by the forces of modernization. The book is well-researched, thorough, and balanced. The author's personal accounts and anecdotes that cover a quarter of a century, complemented by excellent photographs, are particular strengths. Excellent reading for anyone with an interest in the Sherpas of Nepal.

I purchased this for research I am doing for a project on Nepal. It is rare i find truly engaging books during my research. This book did not engage or hold my interest, but it did provide some good information to a point.If you are able to filter out his obvious distaste for external influences on this culture, you will find the book informative. The portions that were interesting involved his personal stories with the local population and with Sir Edmund Hillary. I understand it is difficult to make ethnographies interesting, however this was like eating sand.