The land of Tibet—its people; culture; and religion—has long been both an object of contention and a source of fascination. Since 1959; Tibet has also been at the center of controversy when China's "peaceful liberation" of the land of snows led to the Lhasa uprising and the Dalai Lama's escape to India. Authenticating Tibet: Answers to China's "100 Questions" offers clear and unbiased responses to a booklet published by the Chinese government in 1989; which sought to counter the criticism generated by the Dalai Lama and his followers and offer the PRC's "truth" about Tibet and Tibetans. In Authenticating Tibet; international Tibet scholars provide historically accurate answers to 100 Questions and deal evenhandedly with both China's "truth" about Tibet and that of the Dalai Lama and his followers. Designed for use by a general audience; the book is an accessible reference; free of the polemics that commonly surround the Tibet question. Although these experts refute many of the points asserted by China; they do not offer blanket endorsements for the claims made by the pro-Tibet movement. Instead; they provide an accurate; historically based assessment of Tibet's past and its troubled present.
#2191021 in Books 2002-12-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .75 x 6.00l; .95 #File Name: 0520236831277 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Analysis of Roman War "Psychology"By bonnie_bluMattern does an excellent job of revealing the complex reality in which the Romans evolved. Rome was born and developed in a world in which violent conflict was the norm. However; unlike its neighbors (and the Mediterranean world in general); it did not consider surrender an option. Instead; Rome fought until it forced a surrender from (or annihilated) its enemy; no matter how many years it took or how many lives were lost. If Rome surrendered; it would suffer an unbearable blow to its pride; and a surrender would lessen the fear of Rome in those it had conquered; which would invite rebellion. Where did this attitude originate and how did it become so inextricably woven into the Roman character? Historians continue to debate; but we will probably never know since its origins are in pre-history.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. How did the Romans think of war and peace and strategy?By P. M.This book is not a tale or narrative. Instead; it is an examination of the evidence about how Rome thought of war; peace; and strategy. Through literature; histories; and historical evidence; the author captures a sense of Roman thought.Romans worried about the image of Rome; the way others thought of Rome. They gaurded with ferocity the reputation of Rome as a terrible enemy.Romans did not have a sense of mapping; geography; strategic boundaries; or key crops and resources; in a way that modern military and foreign policy specialists take for granted. Instead; Rome had a strong sense of the enemy; those who would try and push at Rome; and who needed to be kept down; subdued; killed; in order to ensure a strong Rome.This book is a bit dry; but it is fascinating in how it weaves its sources to reveal a way of life and of thought; regarding empire. There have been those who feel that America needs to understand this Roman view of power and fear; in order to understand why some in the world go to war with Americans. I think that this is over-stated. It is not as though we lack this Roman perspective in the West... rather I would say that we have layered over it many strategic lessons; and some forgetfulness.This sort of writing augments more narrative histories by capturing the historic sensibility of the times. There should be more histories of this quality written.6 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Another side of RomeBy Michael ValdivielsoSusan P. Mattern wrote a book that is well made; easy to read and has well supported ideas. She breaks down Imperial Strategy; not into where; who and how; but into why and what for. While other books focus on what the Romans are doing; she examines why they do it. She breaks it down into parts; dealing with how the army; the empire's income and the Roman values shape and mold how they respond to threats and outsiders. The hardcover might scare you; but it only took me two days to read and for a person who has a basic knowledge of Roman History; the book should not be a problem.
