Kingdoms Beyond the Clouds: Journeys in Search of the Himalayan by Jonathan Gregson

by Jonathan Gregson

Of the numerous Himalayan kingdoms and princely states that survived until the British left India, only two - Nepal and Bhutan - are now fully-fledged sovereign states. The others have been annexed or otherwise 'integrated' into their larger neighbours. Yet in many cases, the royal family survives and remains the focus of local traditions and loyalties. Jonathan Gregson has travelled widely throughout the Himalayan region, to Bhutan, Nepal, Sikkim, Mustang and Dharamsala, in search of their kingly rulers. Kingdoms Beyond the Clouds is the story of these journeys and of his conversations with these often elusive leaders - some of whom scarcely ever grant interviews to outsiders.'A delightful and thought-provoking read about a fascinating part of the world' Mark Tully

Genres: Travel, Asia, Nonfiction

Mass Market Paperback

About the author

Jonathan Gregson is a travel writer, financial journalist and editor.

He was editor of CAM (Cambridge Alumni Magazine), editorial consultant for FIRST magazine, and is a commentator on South Asia for BBC programmes. He taught history at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, in 1975-6 and at Pembroke College in Oxford while studying for a D.Phil. from 1977 to 1980.

Reviews

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book about the life in the former kingdoms of the Himalayas

[Michal Thoma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The travel journalism at it's best. Meeting with the kings (and one lama) who used to rule Himalayan kingdoms. Insightful and informative. The Bhutan chapter is especially important, though also most problematic. Gregson writes about the "southern problem" and the exodus of Bhutanese of Nepali origin in enough detail but in conclusion he resort to the official position of bhutnese government, that removed population were illegal immigrants. In fact even in the time of writing there were enough of evidence proving opposite. It' is extremely insightful anyway, especially because author has personal childhood ties with fourth king of Bhutan. The interview with the king Birendra of Nepal is also important one, as it was last interview to be given by the late king before is murder. Sikkim chapter gives great and unique overview about the annexation of Sikkim by India. Bit disappointing is chapter about Tibet, though it's well balanced with critical and candid review of the Dalailama's exile government policy, which you don't find elsewhere. One of the best introductions to the recent history of Himalayan countries.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Johnathan Gregson's scholarly work was first published in 2000. It covers Tibet, Nepal, Mustang, Sikkim and Bhutan. Having returned from time in Bhutan a few years prior to its publication, I read it with great interest. His narrative style is fluid, concise and makes for an easy, yet very informative read. I'd thoroughly recommend this for anyone with an interest in either travelling to the Himalayas or appreciating the history of the region. My own book, a thriller, which is partly set in Bhutan The Dragunov Deception is a work of fiction, first and last, and whilst it's listed on the reading list of one company who run treks to Bhutan, as suggested reading, I would like to stress that it's only fiction and in any event, I know quite a bit has changed in Bhutan since I was there.

[Lisa Napoli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantastic insights in Bhutan as well as neighboring areas by Gregson, a childhood friend of K5.