Guge--Ages of Gold: The West Tibetan Masterpieces

What a wonderful book; it makes the splendid art treasures of Western Tibet, hidden away in the virtually inaccessible ruined cities of Tsaparang and Tholing, in the stony desert of S. W. Tibet, available in beautifully produced and detailed reproductions with a highly informative artistic and historical commentary. Van Ham includes historical photographs which document some of the many beautiful objects that were lost forever during the brutal vandalism of the so-called Great Cultural Revolution. It's a must-have for anyone with an interest in Tibetan religion and culture. The only significant problem is the lack of an index. Can't understand why this feature, which would make the book so much easier to use, was omitted. Hope that it will be included if there is a second addition.

amazingly great quality beautiful colors

Beautiful book.

Great jnb

Wonderful images, well written and explained by expert author Anyone interested in Himalayan art should get this book. Everybody who's about to visit these temples should read it before going

This book is so glorious, any words from me are inadequate to describe it. Phenomenal photography and descriptions. One chapter covers Nako in Spiti. This is wonderful, as those paintings are suffering from weather damage, so this record is much needed. Other caves and monasteries in Tibet that are over the border from Spiti in India are also featured. So this book is wonderful for those of us who have been to Spiti (and Ladakh) to explore the Buddhist paintings and sculptures, but have not been able to visit Tibet. Looking forward to the 3rd book in the series.

A cultural iconography of western Tibetan Renaissance as it happened through its monastic tradition, recorded by ardous wanderings in remote regions of Western Tibet. After Francke and Tucci, this work goes on to establish the cultural magnificence of western Tibet to its unparalleled heights. Marvelous work !

As well as being an excellent introduction to the subject, I think this book deserves praise for its excellent value, combining high production values, good editing and wonderful photography. Normally (alas) books of this standard on Tibetan art cost a multiple of this. It is to be recommended as a affordable, accessible and beautifully put together insight into west Tibetan art and its context.

Fantastic book. Well thought out and laid out for the layman to follow. The quality of the pictures and the paper are excellent. Obviously a lot of thought went into this book. A joy to read; the pictures enhance the text and are of superior quality.