Search Results: Guides Asia from Orchid Press

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2003. Describes a selection of early travellers' impressions of the Khmer empire's ancient 12th century capital and the legends that inspired the majestic stone temples of Angkor, which a visitor in the 1920's declared 'the most impressive sight in the world of edifices'. The work brings to the reader many out-of-print impressions of early Western travellers and also includes tales and legends based on an oral tradition, published for the first time. It serves as a guide book companion, an introduction to Angkor, and as supplementary reading following a visit. Also an excellent read for the armchair traveller unable to venture as far afield as Cambodia. 230 pp., 8 maps, 31 colour and 51 b&w plates, glossary, bibliography, index. First Edition. Soft Cover. As New. 23 x 12.7 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 1987. Centuries old monuments in this barren but stunningly beautiful high altitude region bear witness to a rich but turbulent past.This book records 40 of the main Buddhist sanctuaries of Ladakh in coloured photographs, meticulously drawn plans and brief textual descriptions. Appendices address the Lamaistic pantheon, the Tibetan calendar and the affiliation of various monasteries with different Lama sects. With a preface by Maurice Herzog, and glossary of relevant terms and symbols. An indispensible guide for interested visitors and a valuable reference work on the monasteries and Buddhist sanctuaries of the region. vii, 134 pp. 63 colour and 39 b&w illustrations, one map. Cover lightly soiled from long storage, but interior still clean and bright (NOS).. First Edition. Soft Cover. Very Good/NOS - cover lightly soiled. 21 x 19 cm..

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 1985. Designed for the traveller not widely familiar with the vagaries of climates in south, southeast and east Asian countries, this very useful guide begins with a discussion of such features as monsoons, cyclones, typhoons, and other climatic extremes that the visitor may at times encounter. Followed by a detailed annual description and supporting charts of climates for each of 26 countries, the guide is an excellent tool to determine what may be the best period of the year in which to visit this region, depending on the goals of the individual traveller. A useful section is included on health risks and suggested precautions, by Dr Cecilia Leslie, a specialist in tropical medicine. As climate norms have changed measurably in the 40 years since the publication of this book, it also provides a valuable reference tool and baseline for those studying the effects of global warming on Asia today. 112 pp., 13 maps. First Edition. Soft Cover. Cover scuffed, otherwise good. 23 x 12.7 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2003. An excellent source for anyone who is interested in a brief account of the history and culture of this once great empire. The author, a renowned scholar of Buddhist Central Asia, turned his attentions to SE Asia following his retirement from the University of London. During subsequent years in Cambodia, he has travelled widely in the country and also visited many of the archaeological sites in Thailand that bear witness to the vast extent of the Khmer civilization. In addition, driven by his well known intellectual curiosity and seemingly boundless energy, Snellgrove has read widely in order to place the many sites described in their proper historical perspective. 163 pp., 84 colour and 2 b&w plates, 5 maps, glossary, bibliography, index. New printing with corrections to the original edition. A new/unread copy.. First edition, corrected. Soft Cover. New. 23 x 12.7 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 1983. This book, in the form of a guide to the country, may be a little dated now in terms of the practical information listed, but it is a rich and concise source on many aspects of the country which are difficult to find elsewhere. The author writes from some 20 years' experience in the country and the sections on geography, climate, population, history, art, religion, nature and the Tibetan and Nepalese festival calendars are particularly well presented and relevant. A valuable book for all who love this enduringly fascinating Himalayan kingdom. 251 pp., 29 colour plates, numerous maps and charts, with data on as diverse subjects as, for example, attributes of the many divinities, maximum altitudes for various species of birds and fauna, equipment required for various levels of treks, etc. etc.. revised. Soft Cover. Very Good. 23 x 12 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2001. Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka is one of the five places where Gautama Buddha left the trace of his foot, but it is also an important place of pilgrimage for Muslims, Hindus and some Christians. This book examines the Sinhala pilgrimage tradition both from Sinhala and non-Sinhala sources, and explains the cult of Saman, the white elephant, and its relation to Adam's Peak. The author takes us on a pilgrimage to the summit, with detailed descriptions of the route and his own experiences, and also records impressions of travellers from earlier times. Intended for the traveller who wants in-depth information before undertaking the journey, as well as interested readers and scholars. 192 pp., 27 colour and 14 b&w plates, 3 maps, glossary, bibliography, index. A new/unread copy.. First Edition. Soft Cover. As new. 23 x 12.7 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2000. The author has edited and woven together an amazing array of descriptions of Burma by early travellers, quoting over 90 sources. Having thoroughly researched past travellers' accounts, he elegantly constructs, from these, a vivid history of the country. A compact, highly readable 'thinking man's' travel guide. 208pp., 45 colour and b&w plates, 4 maps, bibliography, index. First Edition. Soft Cover. As New. 23 x 12.7 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2001. This field guide to commonly cultivated trees in SE Asia is beautifully illustrated by the author's watercolours and is a valuable aid for those interested in the domesticated trees and fruits which one encounters all over SE Asia. The book contains useful diagrams and explanations of the botanical characteristics of different groups of trees, key characteristics of each tree and maps showing their geographical distributions. Names in local languages are given along with common English names and scientific botanical names. Some ethnobotanical information on the usage of different parts of each species is also included. For fruit lovers, a 'fruit calendar' showing the seasonal availability of common fruits is included. 242 pp., over 100 colour plates, index of scientific and common names. Soft Cover. As New. 23 x 12.7 cm.

Bangkok: Orchid Press, 2001. Subtitled 'and Enjoy the Totalitarian Experience'. Penetrating and empathetic insights into the daily lives and trials of the Burmese people as they eke out an existence under the ever watchful gaze of their oppressive military government. Syrota, an Australian human rights activist, spent many months roaming the cities and countryside meeting and chatting with citizens from all walks of life, a trip eventually cut short when the authorities expelled him from the country for his inquisitiveness. Highly readable; a 'must' for all with interest in Burma and its current political situation. 192 pp., 9 b&w illustrations, map, appendix summarizes political developments of the previous five years. First Edition. Soft Cover. New. 23 x 12.7 cm.