The Unveiling of Lhasa

by Edmund Candler

"The Unveiling of Lhasa" by Edmund Candler is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book chronicles the British expedition to Lhasa, Tibet, focusing on the political context, military operations, and personal experiences of the author during this historical mission. Candler aims to shed light on the complexities of Anglo-Tibetan relations, the cultural landscape of Tibet, and the dramatic events that unfolded during the expedition. The opening of the narrative sets the stage for understanding the reasons behind the British military expedition to Lhasa. Candler reflects on Britain's previous encounters with Tibet and the challenges it faced due to both Tibetan obstinacy and Chinese influence. He recounts the historical context surrounding the expedition, highlighting the earlier attempts by European travelers to enter Lhasa and the resulting shift in Tibetan policy towards strict exclusion of foreigners, driven in part by fear of British encroachment. As the chapter progresses, Candler emphasizes the necessity of military action as a response to the rebuffs and aggressions faced by Britain, thereby framing the expedition as a pivotal moment in the complex history of British imperialism in Central Asia.