Tales of the Turquoise

In the early spring of 1961, Dr. Corneille Jest undertook a three-week circumambulation of the valley in the company of Tibetans visiting temples, shrines, and sacred mountains. His companion Karma, an elderly nomad from Western Tibet and a gifted storyteller, punctuated the journey with traditional tales and his own reflections. Charmingly written, colorful, and engaging, the narrative transports the reader to a world of Tibetan spirit in ways not readily accessible to outsiders."The old wise man Karma is a treasure store of ancient stories all retained in his mind and heart. His contribution to the theme of the book is a shining example of Tibetan spirit having its root in ancient Tibetan custom and culture. The book also serves as a code of conduct when one visits Tibetan Buddhist places and people."—Tibet JournalDr. Corneille Jest, former director of research at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in Paris, specializes in social and economic change among populations living in harsh climates. He is particularly interested in the conservation of cultural heritage in the Himalayan and Central Asian regions.