The definitive biography of the first European to explore Tibet at a time when foreigners were banned, this book draws on rare source material, including information from the secret files of the India office to offer a vividly detailed chronicle of both David-Neel's quest to conquer her personal demons, and the outer journey that made her one of the most celebrated figures of her day. The most astonishing woman of our time' - Lawrence Durrell 'A fascinating account' - Harper's Bazaar 'Happily accessible' - Allen Ginsberg'