"This awesome archival history of the Dalai Lamas is immense in scope, with close to 300 illustrations, many previously unpublished, including thangkas, murals, statues, and photographs. Sixteen contributors from around the world offer essays on every aspect of the institution of the Dalai Lama including reincarnation, religious training, lineages, religious and political interconnections, and contemporary interactions with nations of the world. A color pullout of seven thangkas and timeline is included in the back."