The History of Tibet

In his book "The History of Tibet" (Tibet: A History), Dr. Sam van Schaik, one of the leading contemporary Tibetologists, a researcher at the British Library, participant in the International Dunhuang Project, and author of numerous well-known works, addresses the history of the development of Tibetan civilization, starting from the emergence of statehood in the seventh century and ending with the catastrophic events of the twentieth century.

Referring to traditions, legends, historical evidence, and the works of contemporary scholars, the author outlines key events in Tibetan history, basing his narrative on vivid and dramatic stories of individuals who became creators of Tibetan culture. A series of chronologically sequenced essays narrate the rise of the Tibetan Empire, the penetration of Buddhism into Tibet, the development and establishment of Buddhist schools, and the inseparable bond between spiritual and secular authority, the complex relationships of Tibet with its neighboring Chinese and Mongolian empires, Tibet's place in the "Great Game" of geopolitical rivalry between Britain and Russia, with special attention to the tragic events of the twentieth century – the occupation by communist China and the loss of independence.

Books from the BuddhaDharma publishing house: translation and publication of classical Buddhist texts, sutras, Buddhist tantra and philosophy, biographies of Buddhist teachers, and texts on Buddhist studies