I was going through some of my books the other day, and was struck by how beautiful (or just interesting) some of the covers are. So I thought I’d share. No analysis, just some eye candy.
(click on the images for closeups and captions)
Image looks more Newari to me, but you know, details.
More orientalist fantasy: noble explorers and scowling locals.
I love the shackled prayer wheel. Kind of embodies the orientalist fantasy about Tibet: simultaneously holy and forbidden.
My personal favorite. Aside from elegance, that fade would have been very technically difficult when this was published in 1899.
Yes, that’s a white American pulling a gun to defend the Dalai Lama, while dressed in monk’s robes.
Note the upside down maṇi….
Got a favorite Tibet-related book cover? Send a photo in the comments.
The Lost Yak 