One of the Best Books of Recent Times!!

Lee · 8th November 2006, 06:57 PM

LaRocca, Donald J., et. al. Warriors of the Himalayas: Rediscovering the Arms and Armor of Tibet. New York: (Yale University Press for) Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2006.

I suspect this has pretty much redefined the standard for a top-level arms and armour book today. "320 pages, 295 illustrations (including 210 in full color), 10 1/4 in. x 11 1/4 in." Available in hardcover or paperback from the museum via their website. (As upper level museum members all received a complimentary copy in hardcover, one may wish to check their favorite on-line second hand booksellers. But the book is very reasonably priced direct and new from the museum - 75$/45$ for non members.)

RomaRana · 8th November 2006, 07:07 PM

It was also an amazing exhibit. The book does not do the layout and lighting justice.

dennee · 9th November 2006, 01:59 AM

Terrific book and exhibit. Each has its own strengths in terms of presentation. Seeing the objects live permitted a chance to see them in the round, but the downlighting did not always show them to their best advantage.

Don LaRocca is a great guy, and he did this in about three years, learning Tibetan in order to pursue this interest! The descriptions are very clear and on point. LaRocca at least broached nearly all of the questions that have occurred to me. He makes a great stab at dating based on educated guesses about the evolution of arms and armor and on comparative work with Chinese weapons and other Tibetan artifacts. Precious little is known for certain about Tibetan arms. Although the last engagement in which swords were a primary weapon occurred in Tibet only a half century ago, from what I can see, folks there now know very little about the weapons.

My favorite book (and you can sometimes find copies of the hardcover on the Web for less than $50).

Justin · 9th November 2006, 01:32 PM

I got my copy about a month ago from Amazon.com ,it is well worth the price.I havent read much in it yet but the little I have read has been very enlightening.As BI noted there are also some very impressive photos as well.

I dont think I have ever seen such gorgeous saddles,looks like Tibetan horses went around in style

8th November 2006, 06:57 PM	#1
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 932	Strongly recommended LaRocca, Donald J., et. al. Warriors of the Himalayas: Rediscovering the Arms and Armor of Tibet. New York: (Yale University Press for) Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2006. I suspect this has pretty much redefined the standard for a top-level arms and armour book today. "320 pages, 295 illustrations (including 210 in full color), 10 1/4 in. x 11 1/4 in." Available in hardcover or paperback from the museum via their website. (As upper level museum members all received a complimentary copy in hardcover, one may wish to check their favorite on-line second hand booksellers. But the book is very reasonably priced direct and new from the museum - 75$/45$ for non members.)

8th November 2006, 07:07 PM	#2
RomaRana Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 58	It was also an amazing exhibit. The book does not do the layout and lighting justice.

9th November 2006, 01:59 AM	#3
dennee Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: College Park, MD Posts: 186	Terrific book and exhibit. Each has its own strengths in terms of presentation. Seeing the objects live permitted a chance to see them in the round, but the downlighting did not always show them to their best advantage. Don LaRocca is a great guy, and he did this in about three years, learning Tibetan in order to pursue this interest! The descriptions are very clear and on point. LaRocca at least broached nearly all of the questions that have occurred to me. He makes a great stab at dating based on educated guesses about the evolution of arms and armor and on comparative work with Chinese weapons and other Tibetan artifacts. Precious little is known for certain about Tibetan arms. Although the last engagement in which swords were a primary weapon occurred in Tibet only a half century ago, from what I can see, folks there now know very little about the weapons. My favorite book (and you can sometimes find copies of the hardcover on the Web for less than $50).

9th November 2006, 01:32 PM	#4
Justin Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 178	I got my copy about a month ago from Amazon.com ,it is well worth the price.I havent read much in it yet but the little I have read has been very enlightening.As BI noted there are also some very impressive photos as well. I dont think I have ever seen such gorgeous saddles,looks like Tibetan horses went around in style