In western imaginaton, Tibet appears to be a magnificant fortress protected by the colossal Himalayan mountains, isolated and timeless. This book chronicles the historical, geographical, and human events of a country on the roof of the world. Furthermore, it attempts to bear witness to its dramatically evolving existene by examing the oracles of remote areas, the monks that strenuously defend their religion, local authorities that try to reconcile tradition and modernity. Visit the museum-like monasteries, the buildings of concrete and glass blocks, and the cyber cafes that have opened in Lhasa in the last few years.

Amazon Product Description:

Few countries are so fascinatingly suspended in time as Tibet, and few so rich in spiritual and human values. History and human tradition exists alongside unpolluted natural beauty, in a succession of senses: colours, smells and sights. This book looks back at the events of the past and takes a broad ranging view of the present and the future of the nation on the roof of the world in this journey through the highest peaks on Earth, where the air may be thin but the people are always able to smile. Places and History: celebrating the world's most beautiful cities and its most fascinating and exotic regions. Celebrating their historic and cultural importance, and their natural beauty. The history of each location is shown in original prints and paintings. The modern scene is explored in glorious colour photographs and with a travel writer's experienced eye.