Tibet: The Secret Continent (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "SITUATED IN THE HEART of Asia, the Tibetan world covers the entire extent of the great Tibetan plateau, extending from the southern face of the..." (more)
Key Phrases: wild yaks, state oracle, local monastery, Central Asia, Tibetan Buddhism, Greater Tibet (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Who better to take readers on a journey through Tibet than someone who has led 26 expeditions into its vast expanses and even dreams in Tibetan? Peissel is an experienced explorer with a passion for Tibet and the Himalayas, and this book is the culmination of four decades of enthrallment. A land divvied up by India, China, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan, Tibet holds the interest of many but the understanding of few; it’s truly a "world within a world," Peissel writes. In its text, the book shifts easily from mythology, to flora and fauna, to Peissel’s own adventure tales, to regional geopolitics, without breaking stride. But it’s the photos (also courtesy of the author) that truly bring the land alive, capturing its cliffside cave cities, its vibrant ceremonies and its countless unforgettable faces. The only portion of the book that isn’t exhaustive is its cursory discussion of Tibet’s brutal treatment under Chinese rule. For Peissel, whose love for Tibet is palpable, it’s probably too depressing a subject to broach. 250 color photos.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

With 250 accompanying photographs, Michel Peissel re-counts the history of the early Tibetans and the subsequent golden age of Tibetan Buddhism under the monk Richen Zampo. He examines the spiritual aspects that are so impor-tant in Tibetan life and the modern international success of Laman-ism. Chronicling the paths of early explorers, Peissel relates Tibet's plunder and destruction, from its dismem-ber-ing in colonial times to the Chinese takeover. He looks at the uni-que-ness of the Himalayas, where flora and fauna have evolved to suit the high altitude and resulted in such extra-ordinary species of animals as the yak and the takin, a huge goat. Through his writing and photography, Michel Peissel brings to life the geographical, spiritual, and intellectual heart of Tibet.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books; 1st edition (February 27, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312309538
• ISBN-13: 978-0312309534
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #897,443 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars when you feel like something other than politics, January 12, 2006

By	Jason Stuart "Gershom" (Seattle WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book differentiates itself from others that I've seen and read about Tibet. If your looking for indepth political comentary on the Chinese-Tibetan struggle you won't find too much here. The focus of this book is more about giving you the reader a sense of the people, the place, and the history behind it.

The book, though never going into vast detail, does a good job of presenting many aspects of Tibetan life and culture. It ranges from marriage customs to plateau animal and plant life. It brings together the detail and reliability of the scholar with the varied interests of the traveler. The other reviewer has remarked on the lack of personal stories. While I could see how here and there it might add something to this book, if that's what you're looking for why not go purchase a traveler's account? I personally perfer something a little more systematic and less prone to misinformation.

Where this book really sets itself apart is in the respresentation of more outlying parts of the Tibetan kingdom, such as Ladakh, Guge, and Mustang. It is interesting to see how their interaction with other peoples has created physical and cultural differences. (I showed some of the pictures of these people to a Tibetan friend and he just said, "that is not Tibetan", lol).

Lastly, but not leastly, there are beautiful pictures in this book. BEAUTIFUL! They are diverse, covering people, landscape, buildings, and some animals too. They are clear and bright, and alone merit the purchase of this book.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another go 'round, May 30, 2003

By	Peter Weber (COSTA MESA, ca United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Another book by Peissel. This one, much to my syrprise, is atually quite good. Various aspects are presented in self contained chapters. It is also telling for what it doesn't say. For istance, Peissel writes he's been trekking Tibet for the last 40 years. I believe him, but where are his personal experiences in this book? Also he (almost)glosses over the Chinese invasion and the horrors that followed. I guess he needs a visa to visit Tibet in the future... Nonetheless, this is a wonderful book. Great photos and a succinct description oth the country. Well worth the time and money.