First published in 1987, Buddhist Civilization in Tibet is unique among works in English as it provides a whole range of information on Tibetan religion and literature, with extensive scholarly data, in a compact single volume. An invaluable reference book, it shows what is available within different traditions and literature, and what will be helpful for English-speaking students who are interested in Tibetan Buddhism, its culture and literature.

In the first part of the book, the author provides a survey of Buddhism in Tibet, and an account of the doctrine and history of the four major Buddhist schools of Tibet—Nyingma, Kagyud, Sakya and Gelug—with lists of their major monastic institutions. In the second part, he gives an overview of Tibetan literature, with a summary of both the secular and religious literature of Tibet, and particular emphasis on the scope of literary works of the four major Buddhist schools.