Overview

Full Product Details

9780810868052

Table of Contents

Reviews

Although most of us are familiar with Tibet as a nation at odds with its powerful neighbor and as the home of the Dali Lama, much of the land's rich history and diverse culture remains hidden atop the soaring heights of the Himalayan plateau. In this comprehensive dictionary, Powers (Australian National University, Canberra ) and Templeman (Monash University, Melbourne) have given scholars of Tibetan culture and history a rich compendium for future research.The work begins with a listing of terms covered, followed by a highly useful chronology detailing the main events of Tibetan history from the life of the Buddha to the present day. A judicious 49-page introduction presents users with a lucid overview of Tibetan religious and political history as well as a synopsis of its rich, dynamic culture and spectacular geography. The A-Z arranged entries canvass a broad diversity of subjects, including geopolitical relationships, major political leaders, episodes from an expansionist past, and religious figures as well as thematic entries such as Banking and finance, Human rights, Mongolian Buddhism, and Trade. Examples of other entries include Chakrata Project, Foreign relations, Islam, and Tibetan uprising of 2008. The volume concludes with a substantial categorized bibliography for further research into such themes as Tibetan art, history, and literature. The chief obstacle to the volume's utility lies with the Tibetan language, which, as the authors point out, presents unusual problems. The authors have chosen the transliteration system developed by Turrell Wylie, a system they argue makes it difficult for beginners to pronounce terms properly because of its equation of Sanskrit letters with the Tibetan letters they resemble. Although this hurdle is easily overcome by subject specialists, it presents a problem for those new to the subject. Nevertheless, with its diversity of topics and clear writing, the volume is essential. for academic institutions supporting programs in global studies and world religions. Booklist

Although most of us are familiar with Tibet as a nation at odds with its powerful neighbor and as the home of the Dali Lama, much of the land's rich history and diverse culture remains hidden atop the soaring heights of the Himalayan plateau. In this comprehensive dictionary, Powers (Australian National University, Canberra ) and Templeman (Monash University, Melbourne) have given scholars of Tibetan culture and history a rich compendium for future research.The work begins with a listing of terms covered, followed by a highly useful chronology detailing the main events of Tibetan history from the life of the Buddha to the present day. A judicious 49-page introduction presents users with a lucid overview of Tibetan religious and political history as well as a synopsis of its rich, dynamic culture and spectacular geography. The A-Z arranged entries canvass a broad diversity of subjects, including geopolitical relationships, major political leaders, episodes from an expansionist past, and religious figures as well as thematic entries such as Banking and finance, Human rights, Mongolian Buddhism, and Trade. Examples of other entries include Chakrata Project, Foreign relations, Islam, and Tibetan uprising of 2008. The volume concludes with a substantial categorized bibliography for further research into such themes as Tibetan art, history, and literature. The chief obstacle to the volume's utility lies with the Tibetan language, which, as the authors point out, presents unusual problems. The authors have chosen the transliteration system developed by Turrell Wylie, a system they argue makes it difficult for beginners to pronounce terms properly because of its equation of Sanskrit letters with the Tibetan letters they resemble. Although this hurdle is easily overcome by subject specialists, it presents a problem for those new to the subject. Nevertheless, with its diversity of topics and clear writing, the volume is essential. Booklist Powers (History of Propaganda) and Templeman (New Views of Tibetan Culture) open this premier guide to Tibetan culture and history with a reader's note, indicating the book's unifying transliteration standard-the Wylie system-and presenting a glossary of phonetic spellings and Wylie equivalents. Preceded by a chronology, a 49-page introduction that is interspersed with subheadings then offers a substantial overview of Tibetan history, culture, and political tensions. Straightforward entries run several paragraphs and cover the historical figures, locations, dynasties, and events contributing to Tibet's development. VERDICT While some subject foreknowledge is required to navigate this work, it is the most thorough resource on Tibet now available. Library Journal

Author Information

John Powers is professor of Asian Studies at Australian National University. He is the author of 16 books and more than 50 academic articles. David Templeman is an adjunct scholar at the Monash Asia Institute at Monash University. He has more than 40 years of experience of academic study of Tibetan history, culture, and religion.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available