Thubten Jigme Norbu Signed 1st Edition Autobiography Tibet is my Country, with Bonus Heinrich Harrer Autographs!

An outstanding 1st edition hardcover copy of Tibet is my Country, the Autobiography of Thubten Jigme Norbu as Told to Heinrich Harrer (New York: E.P. Dutton & Co., Inc. 1961). Norbu, aka Tagster Rinpoche (1922-2008), was the elder brother of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso (born 1935), and a Buddhist monk in his own right. The book is inscribed and signed by Norbu as "Thubten Norbu" in black ink on the half title page. Norbu's inscription in Tibetan has not been translated. It is also dated "11-10-62" in Norbu's hand.

The brick-red boards are gilt-embossed along the spine along the original color dust jacket (with $5.00 retail price listed.) With a previous bookseller's label located discretely at the bottom of one of the front loose end papers. The inner pages are crisp and clean. Expected minor wear to the edges and corners of the dust jacket, including at least one small closed tear at top. In remarkable condition considering its age. 264pp. 8vo. 5.75" x 8.75" x 1".

The book includes 21 chapters outlining the salient details of Norbu's life and his relationship with his youngest brother, the 14th Dalai Lama; 19 color book plate illustrations of Norbu, his family, and Tibetan landmarks; a map of Tibet; a chronology of Norbu's life; and even a break-down of the Tibetan Calendar.

The lot also includes two items relating to Norbu's friend and amanuensis, Heinrich Harrer (1912-2006):

1. An E.P. Dutton & Co., Inc. publisher's presentation card inscribed and signed by Harrer as "Toppy and Mary / Edwards / with many thanks / from the author / Heinrich Harrer / Oct. 1961." A few small staple marks affects Harrer's signature, else near fine. 3.875" x 6.125".

Walter Meayers "Toppy" Edwards worked on the Illustrations staff for National Geographic Magazine between 1933-1973.

2. A German language postcard presumably showing Harrer and third wife Katharina Haarhaus on their wedding day, inscribed and dated by Harrer as: "Kitzbuhel / August 10th 1962." verso. Near fine.

Thubten Jigme Norbu was a Buddhist monk, writer, civil rights activist, and professor of Tibetan studies. Norbu left Tibet after it was invaded by the People's Republic of China in 1950. While in exile, Norbu attempted to promote further cultural, historical, and religious understanding of Tibet and its people. Norbu's cause was considerably advanced after he founded the Tibetan-Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center in Bloomington, Indiana.

Heinrich Harrer was a mountain climber, explorer, and writer who befriended Norbu during his time in Tibet. Harrer had fled to Tibet after escaping imprisonment in a British war camp during World War II. Harrer's stay in Tibet between 1944-1951 served as the basis of his bestselling travelogue Seven Years in Tibet (1952). The book describes how Harrer served as a translator, court photographer, and tutor to the Dalai Lama.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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