Book Blurbs
Sylvain Lévi’s seminal work was the first attempt to produce a comprehensive study of Nepal, drawing on all the indigenous, Chinese and European sources then available. Although published more than a century ago, it remains relevant, particularly for its characterisation of Nepal as an ‘India in the making? The value of Mary Harris first full, accessible English translation is enhanced by the information Deepak Shimkhada and Pratapaditya Pal provide about Sylvain Lévi himself and the treatment of his work by other scholars.
John Whelpton, Author of A History of Nepal,
Cambridge University Press, 2005
Levi’s book is considered to be the first scientific research on Nepal. With his extensive use of Chinese and Tibetan documents along with the indigenous and Western sources, the book is an authoritative account of contemporary Nepal in its historical perspective. The content of the book is as relevant today as it was in 1898 when the book was written. Congratulations to the editor for his invaluable gift to Nepali people and the entire academic world.
Tri Ratna Manandhar, Ph.D.
Professor emeritus of history, Tribhuvan University
This book makes the non-Anglophone Sylvain Levis odyssey accessible to a wide audience in South Asia and outside. The pattern of Levi’s orientalist scholarship, his passion for the arts and culture of Nepal and the Sanskrit language and his power of theorisation makes him stand out as a scholar who combined scholarship with sublime passion, and emotions with historical realism. Thanks to Dr. Shimkhada for bringing out the book in English.
Abhi Subedi, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus, Tribhuvan University