The Search for Shangri-La: A Journey Into Tibetan History

by Charles Allen

Book Overview

The idea of a hidden refuge, a paradise far from the stresses of modern life, has universal appeal. In 1932 the writer James Hilton coined the word 'Shangri-La' to describe such a place, when he gave that name to a hidden valley in the Himalayas in his novel LOST HORIZON. In THE SEARCH FOR SHANGRI-LA acclaimed traveller and writer Charles Allen explores the myth behind the story. He tracks down the sources that Hilton drew upon in writing his popular...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0349111421
• ISBN13: 9780349111421
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Abacus (UK)
• Length: 305 Pages
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.9" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

The quest of Sham Shung

Il titolo è fuorviante. Il libro di Allen è la ricerca letteraria e filologica del mitico regno di Sham Shung, probabilmente posizionato nell'area del regno di Guge, fra il Ladakh ed il monte Kailash (cui Allen aveva dedicato un libro nel 1982: A mountain in Tibet). Ho compiuto un viaggio al Kailash nel 1997. Con sorpresa ho trovato che l'autore aveva effettuato lo stsso percorso pochi mesi dopo. La stessa agenzia (TIST), lo stesso albergo (Himalaya Hotel a Lhasa, gli stessi episodi (come la morte di un pellegrino indiano per mancanza di acclimatazione). Ma anche la piccola personale soddisfazione di vedere che il gruppo da me organizzato era riuscito a raggiungere i luoghi (Toling e Tsaparang) per cui Allen aveva invano chiesto il permesso.

A more balanced and broader view

of Tibetan history than one often finds in Buddhist-authored books on the subject. The author combined known Near Eastern/Asian ancient and medieval history with personal observations of the land and its archaeology to arrive at some very interesting conclusions about (1) the pre-Buddhist religious history and cultures of Tibet, and (2) the development of Buddhism in this milieu. The frequent transitions in writing style, from travelogue to historical discourse and back, were sometimes awkward. But if you like books on comparative religion, anthropology, mythology, religious history, or ancient history, and are interested in Tibet, you'll have fun with this one! Overall rating: 4 stars