First published in 1928 in London, Perceval Landon`s Nepal is in two volumes. The author states in the Preface that the ‘present’ Maharaja of Nepal had supplied him with material for writing ‘every aspect of modern Nepalese history’ – and in so doing the Maharaja had departed from tradition – in addition to extending direct first-hand knowledge of temples, traditions and policies. Thus, the authenticity of these volumes is established at the very beginning.

The first volume begins with the birth of the Buddha in Rummindei, Emperor Asoka’s edicts, stupas, the Chinese traveler Hsuan Tsang, Jainism. The author also tells us that the inscriptions in the Tarai region herald the first recorded history of Nepal. He talks about Buddhist monks, and mentions anecdotes too. Thereafter, Landon proceeds with the dynasties and rulers who shaped Nepal`s history and politics, from Vrsa Deva to the history of the Mallas, Bhim Sen, and of the gradual evolving relationship with the British. Chapters are dedicated to Jang Bahadur, the Kot Massacre, Nana Sahib and so forth. The author has also dedicated space to the various temples. In the second volume, Landon has included the life and times of maharajas Rana Udip, Bir and Deva, and Maharaja Chandra Sham Sher.

Both the volumes have appendices, maps and several photographs and illustrations that add weight to this compendium. The language is lucid and the charm of Landon’s style lies in that, while the volumes are rich in details and history, and it is not a mere ‘history’ book on Nepal.