Description

pp. 307, “This detailed and careful study of a much-discussed but little-known region is valuable for two reasons. First, it focuses on seven villages in Nepal near the Tibetan border (one of the world’s most remote regions), reaching as far as Indonesia to explore the world of sophisticated international traders, vitually unknown outside the region. Second, the author candidly examines the problems and weaknesses of relevant theory and methodology in research that combines intense fieldwork with extensive research in often obscure literature. The main text is a truly fascinating description and analysis of the history, geography, and daily life of this region through the 1970s, covering geopolitics, fairs and festivals, smuggling, relations with China and India, the competition of Hong Kong and Singapore, ecological adaptation, and the decay of traditional life. The appendixes elaborate on the methodological problems introduced in the text. The writing is good throughout. There are two photographs, a number of maps, a good index, and an excellent bibliography.”