“This is, quite simply, an incredible advance for Tibetan studies and Asian studies in general. Nothing of the kind exists elsewhere—these easily readable, beautiful maps are a tremendous contribution, for their scope and ambition, and for the innovative approach their maker has taken with them, such as the fascinating incorporation of long-scale timeframes. The result is one of the most up-to-date overviews of Tibetan history, grounded by a deep familiarity with primary and secondary data and distilled into a gorgeous format.”
— Gray Tuttle, Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University
“This may well be the best historical atlas of our time. Combining a hard-won mastery of Tibetan history and geography with an equally impressive command of digital cartography, Ryavec has revealed the contours of Tibet in unprecedented, radiant detail. Some forty-nine meticulous maps—ranging widely over time, space, and theme—are supplemented with reader-friendly keys, succinct essays, well-chosen photos, and extensive scholarly notes. The result is a landmark work in every way. Pore over these pages for a new understanding of how livelihood, sovereignty, ethnicity, and belief have intersected to shape one of the most complex and celebrated landscapes on the globe. A must-have for every serious library.”
— Kären Wigen, coeditor of Cartographic Japan
“With technical knowledge and skill in his field of geography, Professor Ryavec presents a coherent description of the spatial expanse of Tibetan culture. The explanatory representations of maps and graphs reveal new aspects of the region, often obscured by a lack of exact knowledge. This volume brings Tibet to the surface of the earth and in doing so gives us a clearer picture of its uniqueness and its long term influence across the Eastern reaches of Eurasia.”
— Lewis Lancaster, University of California, Berkeley
“Ryavec, an American academic and trained geographer, spent over a decade on this ambitious project, laboring to capture Tibet’s full majesty in cartographic form. Through his forty-nine gorgeous maps, plus many vivid photographs and illustrations, Ryavec presents us Tibet from the prehistoric to the imperial to the modern eras, delving into the languages, natural resources, administration, and religion of the entire region. . . . Will enchant and inform any lover of maps.”
— Dan Zigmond, Tricycle
“Following two decades of research, Ryavec expertly presents the historical and cultural transformations of Tibet since the Palaeolithic period through a series of forty-nine maps supplemented by detailed keys, essays, and accompanying photographs. The first work of its kind, A Historical Atlas of Tibet is a beautiful reference book of value to a range of scholars and students including historians, anthropologists, historical geographers, and digital cartographers.”
— Tim Chamberlain, LSE Review of Books
“With the proliferation of high-quality online cartographic resources, it sometimes becomes necessary to defend, or at least explain, the value of printed atlases. A Historical Atlas of Tibet is a wonderful answer for doubters. Ryavec offers a well-researched, beautifully executed work with a useful introduction showing maps of major regions, current political boundaries, and natural features. The material provides context for readers (especially those with limited knowledge of the region) and illuminates material covered in later chapters. One especially interesting map is ‘Travel Time from Lhasa in Weekly Increments.’ The simple concentric circles of this graphic and the text describing it efficiently and effectively convey the limitations of travel in this mountainous area. Four chapters, each covering a specific time period, make up the bulk of the atlas. Maps within shed light on the history of Tibet through changes in territorial administration, distribution of cultural and religious sites, and other spatial phenomena. Text accompanying maps guides readers through the information presented. Ample photographs of cultural sites, landscapes, and historical artifacts enliven the book. This terrific example of the synthesis of historical research and cartography is well cited throughout, providing an excellent introduction to the region's history and a companion to related textual works. . . . Highly recommended.”
— Choice
“A rich and informative reference work, an essential addition to the shelves of any Tibetologist, historical scholar of Tibetan Buddhism, or indeed historian of China, and the rewarding focus of many hours of study.”
— Mountain Research and Development
"Ryavec’s book not only provides geospatial coordinates for religious and cultural sites in Inner and East Asia; it also employs the full mapmaker’s toolbox to spatialize and temporalize population, language, and natural resources. In the richly illustrated pages of this unique and overdue contribution, readers see Buddhist life as just one component part of an entire physical, cultural, political, and economic topography."
— Religious Studies Review