Sikhim and Bhutan: Twenty-one Years on the North-East Frontier is J. Claude White's memoir of his expeditions in Sikkim eastern Bhutan parts of Tibet and missions to Bhutan that took him to unexplored regions of these places which he has captured brilliantly through his writing and photographs. Appointed as the Political Officer in administrative charge of Sikkim and later of Bhutan by the British Indian government White's account covers his official activities interactions with people from diverse backgrounds – both maharajas and common folk – and his explorations making this book a fascinating read. White's expeditions on both glacial and non-existent road tracks through snowstorm and blizzard witnessing avalanches crossing wobbly cane bridges and to the Tatshang Monastery in Paro -- more famous as the Tiger’s Nest – are invigorating and thrilling. White has also given detailed and rich descriptions of monasteries forts castles and hamlets the people and their life and political events like the Delhi Durbar. His remarkable photographs that include the Maharaja of Bhutan Sir Ugyen Wang-chuk the Maharaja and Maharani of Sikkim Kanchenjunga glacial lakes Bhutanese houses a precarious bamboo roadway monasteries and artefacts significantly contribute to Sikhim and Bhutan’s appeal. The book also includes general information on Bhutan and Sikkim their arts and industries and its laws and customs. About the Author Engineer author and avid amateur photographer John Claude White worked for the British Indian government.
