First to Lhasa

Previous works by Madame David-Neel have sketched her early explorations into Tibet, beginning in 1911. The present volume/- continues through the incredible privations and hardships of her travels on foot disguised as a beggar, until she achieved the triumphant distinction of being the first white woman ever to enter Lhasa, the ancient and forbidden city of Tibet, seat of the exotic Grand Lhama. No book of recent years takes one so remotely away from "civilization," or reveals so tellingly the desperate hardships of an aboriginal people living on "nettle soup" and the very meagerest sustenance. The enthusiasm of Madame David-Neel for "outlandish" Tibetans is communicable, infectious.

/- My JOURNEY TO LHASA-- Harpers ($6).