The Story of Tibet: Conversations with the Dalai Lama

New York: Grove Press, 2006. xix, 470 pages, [32] pages of plates, illustrations (some colour), maps; 24 cm. PRESENTATION COPY. Signed by the author Thomas Laird, with a personalized inscription. A near-fine copy of the first printing. Dust jacket protected in a mylar cover. "The Story of Tibet is a work of monumental importance, a fascinating journey through the land and history of Tibet, with His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama as guide. Over the course of three years, journalist Thomas Laird spent more than sixty hours with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in candid, one-on-one interviews that covered His Holiness's beliefs on history, science, reincarnation, and his lifelong study of Buddhism. Traveling across great distances to offer vivid descriptions of Tibet's greatest monasteries, Laird brings his meetings with His Holiness to life in a rich and vibrant historical narrative that outlines the essence of thousands of years of civilization, myth, and spirituality. His Holiness introduces us to Tibet's greatest yogis and meditation masters, and explains how the institution of the Dalai Lama was founded. Embedded throughout this journey is His Holiness's lessons on the larger roles religion and spirituality have played in Tibet's story, reflecting the Dalai Lama's belief that history should be examined not only conventionally but holistically. The Story of Tibet is His Holiness's personal look at his country's past as well as a summation of his life's work as both spiritual and temporal leader of the Tibetan people." - Publisher.. SIGNED. 1st. Hardcover. Very Good/Fine. 8vo. Collectible.