List of Illustrations and Maps . . viii
Acknowledgements . . xi
Note On Pronouncing Tibetan Words . . xiii
Preface . . xv

1 Tibet Appears, 600-700 . . 1
2 The Holy Buddhist Empire, 700-797 . . 21
3 Keepers of the Flame, 797-1054 . . 41
4 Patrons and Priests, 1054-1315 . . 61
5 Golden Age, 1315-1543 . . 85
6 The Rise and Fall of the Dalai Lamas, 1543-1757 . . 114
7 The Balancing Act, 1757-1904 . . 146
8 Independence, 1904-1950 . . 180
9 Under the Red Flag, 1950-1959 . . 207
10 Two Tibets, 1959 to the Present . . 238

Notes . . 270
Bibliography . . 292
Index . . 304