Old Lhasa

After his compendious guides to Peking and Ulaanbataar, Aldrich has completed the trilogy with a masterful biography of another ancient Eastern capital. Blending history, religion, topography, geometry, deep readings and street-level insight within his characteristically vivid prose, this sensitive account of how old Lhasa has re-incarnated over the centuries will leave any reader itchy to explore the ghosts of the city themself. -Alec Ash, author of Wish Lanterns Michael Aldrich is the best kind of guide: sympathetic, knowledgeable and fascinated by esoteric detail that might elude the casual visitor. In Old Lhasa he paints an intricate portrait of a storied city and its history: one which is caught in a struggle in the modern day for its very soul. -Jonathan Chatwin, author of Long Peace Street The author gently coaxes readers through the complexities of Tibetan history and the myriad nuances of Tibetan spirituality, guiding them to places of interest that are accessible, for now, in the capital Lhasa, and peppering the narrative with humorous anecdotes, spicy legends and charming fables. -Michael Gibb, author of A Korean Odyssey What shines in the book and gives it life is not only his amazing knowledge and understanding of Lhasa and Tibet but also his passion, enormous humor and above all love for its people. -Adam Williams, author of The Palace of Heavenly Pleasure An outstanding narrative focused on one of the most interesting cultural capitals in Asia. -Jonathan S. Addleton, author of The Dust of Kandahar and Mongolia and the United States: A Diplomatic History Ever informative and never dull. Better than a time machine. -Bill Porter, author of Zen Baggage Aldrich recreates and recaptures not just the magisterial temples and palaces of Lhasa but also the regular backstreets and alleyways that combined define the city. -Paul French, author of Midnight in Peking and City of Devils Old Lhasa presents, for the first time, the city through its history, its monuments, and the personal memories of Aldrich's visits and experiences. -Francesco Sisci, author of A Brave New China and Cina e Tibet, Tibet e Cina Engagingly written and generously illustrated with contemporary and historical photographs and maps, Old Lhasa takes you on a well-informed tour through time and space of the religious, political, and cultural center of the indomitable Tibetan nation. -Victor Mair, editor of The Columbia History of Chinese Literature Experts will find that Aldrich has shaken the kaleidoscope of the history and geography of Lhasa and Tibet into new and illuminating patterns. -Alan Babington-Smith, President of the Royal Asiatic Society Beijing A highly digestible buffet of Tibetan history, anecdotes and encounters with pilgrims and locals in the sacred city of Lamaism. -Bruce Humes, translator of The Last Quarter of the Moon