The hereditary monarchy of the Wangchuk dynasty was established in 1907 in the independent Himalayan state of Bhutan; thus introducing one of the world's most recent experiments in kingship. The new order quickly replaced a theocracy founded in the seventeenth century by the first of the "Dharma Rajas"; a lineage of reincarnating lamas known by the title of Shabdrung. The first king of the new dynasty; Ugyen Wangchuk (1862-1926); was a charismatic figure who came to power against a turbulent background of incessant and complex feuding. He adopted as the unique symbol of his authority a crown surmounted by the head of a raven. The bird represents a form of Mahakala; Bhutan's guardian deity. The prototype of the founding monarch's Raven Crown had first been devised as a battle helmet for his father; Jigme Namgyel (1825-81). Known as the Black Regent; he had worn it in bloody struggles against his many rivals within the country and against the British who tried; unsuccessfully; to subdue him. The story of the Wangchuk dynasty's rise and triumph moves from a picture of turmoil and chaos to one of relative peace and stability. In contrast with earlier published ac- counts based solely on the colonial records of British India; here the narrative is founded on the Bhutanese chronicles which offer a new perspective and bring many new details to light. The ethnic and historical context is outlined before recounting the turbulent career of the Black Regent; followed by the lives and achievements of the first two kings. The book is copiously illustrated with rare historical photographs that have come to light in private and public collections in the United Kingdom. Most of these vivid images have never previously been published. They provide a lively depth and focus to the unfolding narrative.
#586753 in Books 2014-01-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x .46 x 5.98l; .67 #File Name: 1927970156202 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Afraid to read after seeing the powerful movieBy Nana Mary FranI read this for book club; but was cautious at first because the movie was so emotionally difficult to watch. I was better prepared for reading; and was able to learn details I had missed in the movie. I actually enjoyed reading something written in that era and the different style of writing. It found it particularly interesting because it was an actual account written by the unfortunate man who had to endure the experience.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. History now depicted as His-storyBy Jeff LWonderful story that covers a part of slavery that went unheard of until now. Who knew that one could be considered free: yet the possibility existed that one could be kipnapped and made a slave anyway. 12 years a slave; 400 years of oppression and kidnapping to boot.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. it's easy to understand and is written in standard EnglishBy CustomerI saw the movie and decided I needed to read the book. This is very well written and doesn't have very much "1800s" language in it. That is; it's easy to understand and is written in standard English. The book has a couple of interesting additional sequences that aren't in the movie and that add insight to Solomon Northup. Very good read!
