About the Author

Sam van Schaik is an expert on the early history of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism. He is based at the British Library in London, where he works for the International Dunhuang Project. He is also the founder of the website www.EarlyTibet.com.

Reviews

"In Tibet: A History Sam van Schaik provides an overview of its past from the seventh century AD to the present, calling into question many preconceptions the general reader may have about Tibet, its religion its society and its politics . . . an entertaining read for a wide audience."—Tom Neuheus, BBC History Magazine

"[Sam Van Schaik] successfully portrays a wider historical Tibet in an informed, well-researched, unbiased and readable way. It should appeal to scholars and researchers in Tibetan studies and equally to the more general reader."—Priyanka Singh, Asian Affairs

"Succinct, scholarly, and exceptionally well written, van Schaik’s Tibet accomplishes a rare triumph of virtue . . . this volume fills an important gap in the literature about Tibet."—John Schellhase, The Mantle

"[W]ell-written and authoritative."—Glyn Ford, Tribune

"A marvellous achievement, Tibet: A History provides a brilliant introduction to the ancient and varied culture of Tibet. Van Schaik expertly combines detailed research with compelling storytelling. Rich with details and lively vignettes, his narrative draws the reader into an imaginative universe, a world that will at once fascinate and complicate one's understanding of Tibet. This book will reward long-time students and casual readers alike."—Jacob P. Dalton, author of The Taming of the Demons: Violence and Liberation in Tibetan Buddhism

"Tibet: A History is an important and major history of Tibet written in narrative form by a leading scholar, in a style that is accessible, balanced and engaging, yet full of nuance, detail and up-to-date research findings."—Robert J. Barnett, Director of Modern Tibetan Studies, Columbia University