In the Service of His Country tells the story of a remarkable individual who rose from humble origins as the son of a farmer to become one of the outstanding figures in the social and political life of Tibet prior to the Chinese takeover in the 1950s. Dasang Damdul Tsarong (1888–1959); noted as a child for his unusual intelligence and capability; entered the personal service of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama at the age of twelve. After distinguishing himself in military service; he was promoted to a high rank in the Tibetan government; married into an aristocratic family; and soon became commander-in-chief of the Tibetan army and one of Lhasa's leading citizens. Tsarong was a dynamic and sometimes controversial figure; a voice for the modernization of Tibet's government; especially in its relationship to the international community. This book provides insight into the history and causes of the tragic loss of Tibet's power of self-government. Included are forty photographs taken in Tibet at this critical time; many by D. D. Tsarong himself.
#1626901 in Books 2010-11-01 2010-11-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.08 x .67 x 6.04l; 1.05 #File Name: 1557788774327 pages
Review
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful. A New Perspective on Holocaust TestimonyBy A CustomerMost texts concerning the collection of Holocaust testimony seem to indicate that large-scale work is best; that the experiences of the many can be distilled into one message about the event. But Henry Greenspan; a University of Michigan psychologist; feels differently: he believes strongly that the term "recounting" "better connotes the provisional and processual nature of retelling" (xvii); and therefore; he thinks; talking again and again to the same few people yields more noteworthy results and information. This philosophy; spelled out clearly and easily for even the reader unfamiliar with the field of Holocaust testimony-taking; makes "On Listening to Holocaust Survivors" both compelling and important; and provides a uniquely fresh perspective on the Holocaust and those who survived it.6 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Listening--again and againBy Alyssa A. LappenHaving listened myself; again and again; to the stories of several Holocaust survivors I have been and am privileged to know; I can attest to the strength of this important book; even as the numbers of survivors dwindle.I bought this book on the eve of an important last trip to a lifelong friend; a survivor; whose birthday I shared; and who (because of that; and much more) called me her "adopted kid."There are many important messages here. But one of the most key is that for survivors; healing comes through their repetition; to sympathetic listeners; of the horrible details of their suffering. Very often; the minutia are precisely the same; down to the very words.And yet; at times; little points; never before made; are uttered for the first time; releasing a burden carried for 60 years; or more.The benefits; for both tellers and listeners; are beyond description. Listening is the greatest gift one can give these heroes and heroines--and to oneself. For those able to grant it; giving this gift is also one of the greatest possible mitzvot.--Alyssa A. Lappen3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. An insightful and thoughtful addition to any Holocaust studies collectionBy Midwest Book ReviewEvery individual story is part of a greater piece of a puzzle. "On Listening to Holocaust Survivors: Beyond Testimony" is the work of Henry Greenspan; looking into the deeper story behind the testimony of many Holocaust survivors and what it has told him about the atrocity and humanity as a whole. Stating that more history is learned through conversation rather than a one sided testimony; "On Listening to Holocaust Survivors" is an insightful and thoughtful addition to any Holocaust studies collection.
