Forgotten Kingdom: Nine Years in Yunnan, 1939-48 - Paperback

Peter Goullart - a charming Russian and outstanding linguist - spent nine years in the all-but-forgotten Nakhi Kingdom of south-west China as a representative of the cooperative movement, deciding which of the local traders, inn- keepers and artisans to back with a loan.

In his company we get to hear about the love affairs and social rivalries of his neighbours, to attend magnificent banquets, to meet ancient dowagers and handsome warriors as well as to catch the sound of the swiftly running mountain streams, the coarse ribaldry of the market ladies and the happy laughter emerging from the wine shops. Through him we travel back to this complex society, which believed simultaneously and sincerely in Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, in addition to their ancient animism and shamanism.