Alexandra David-Néel: Portait of an Adventurer

by Ruth Middleton

This unique biography explores the inner journey of a woman whose outer life was a thrilling story of passion and adventure. Alexandra David-Néel (1868–1969), born in Paris to a socially prominent family, once boasted, "I learned to run before I could walk!" In the course of a lifetime of more than one hundred years, she was an acclaimed operatic soprano, a political anarchist, a religious reformer, an intrepid explorer who traveled in Tibet for fourteen years, a scholar of Buddhism, and the author of more than forty books. But perhaps the most intriguing of all her adventures was the spiritual search that led her from a youthful interest in socialism and Freemasonry to the teachings of the great sages of India and culminated in her initiation into the secret tantric practices of Tibetan Buddhism. This book reveals the penetrating insight and courage of a woman who surmounted physical, intellectual, and social barriers to pursue her spiritual quest.

Genres: Biography, Travel, Buddhism, Nonfiction, Feminism, History, Historical

206 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1989

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

At an age when most women are considering retirement and spending time with grandchildren, Alexandra wandered through Asia from Vietnam, India, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Japan, Korea, China and ultimately to Tibet. She rubbed elbows with maharajahs, princes, lamas and rogues, all the while exploring wild and mountainous areas and studying ancient Buddhist scriptures in hope of greater understanding. Today, she would have been funded by great universities for her research and anthropological studies, but women did not receive funding for such things in the early 1900's. She was on her own--except for the funds sent by her patient husband. She was the first western woman to enter Lhasa, to study and translate Sanskrit scriptures at the remote Kumbum monastery and the first to write 14 seminal volumes about Buddhism for European audiences--an amazing woman.

[Sandra Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, that was amazing.

[DilanAc · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars A truly remarkable woman. Biography is well written and moves along nicely but I didn't get as much of a feeling for Alexandra David-Neel as I would have liked. It could have been the limit of the material that the author (Ruth Middleton) had to work with but I wanted to know so much more about this woman's thoughts and feelings. I don't have a sense of Yogden either (her adopted son) and he is also a fascinating character.

[Vicki Scullion · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed that the biography didn’t go deeper into the life of Alexandra David-Neel. There also weren’t any photographs in the Kindle version of this book. (I don’t know if the paper version has photos.) A lot of information was repeated from the autobiography about her pilgrimage to Lhasa, which I enjoyed immensely. I suggest you read that instead.

[Deborah Cleaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating woman doing what was not done at the time she did it. She lived an interesting life on her own terms. Would have preferred it if the text wasn’t all bolded.

[Chris Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was reasonable, but there was often a lack of detail and/or context - the book could easily have been twice the length.

[Helaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alexandra David-Neel was a French aristocratic woman who lived from 1868 to 1969. Her adventures in Asia, especially her 14 years in Tibet, are well documented by herself and her biographers. Ruth Middleton, the author of this biography, felt compelled to add another bio to "explore the inner journey of a woman whose outer life was a thrilling story of passion and adventure." That journey is Alexandra's spiritual trek that leads her to Tibetan Buddhism.

There is no question that Alexandra is an interesting, intense and headstrong person. She lived for 100 years and filled those years with a variety of professions, studies (very adept at languages), writings, and travel. Middleton pursues the spiritual journey through Alexandra's diary, letters to and from her and interviews, particularly with Alexandra's last personal secretary, who maintains Alexandra's archives. It's is a fascinating story.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little did I know when I started this book, that I would be "hooked" on this woman's life. I have just ordered her book on her trek to Lhasa. Her
life and adventures and thirst for knowledge are almost unbelievable. Even more astonishing considering these treks took months and years, and were done in winter, and in the early 1900's! Climbing in the Himalayas with a companion and a few others and enduring wretched conditions and danger from thieves, soldiers, let alone the weather conditions. Alexandra was an exceptional woman at any time of history. I learned so much about REAL" Buddhism and her quest to understand it's transition from the old folkloric ways as it eased it's way into the modern era with a new Dali Lama.
Even if one is not interested in Buddhism, the adventure of her long long life is worth reading.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tibet where her heart lies

Beautifully written account of Alexandra David-Neel's life largely based on her letters to her beloved husband Philippe Neel. Displaying a intense impulse to travel and a attraction to Buddhism she went to India, Ceylon, Nepal, Sikkum, China, Japan and most importantly to Tibet. That she achieved this as a Frenchwoman during the beginning of the 20th century is amazing as is the immense output of her travel and Buddhist writings. In this book her character and it's development is revealed. Many close personal occurrences give a most personal glimpse into this fascinating woman. Reading about her is as brilliant as reading her books and not to be missed.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just re-read this. I am incredulous that she abandoned her husband in order to pursue her spiritual path.
Still a fastinating life!!
She lived a life which few would be able to and yet it also had contradictions. (a socialist who had servants)