Forgotten Kingdom

Forgotten Kingdom is Peter Goullart's captivating account of the nine years he spent in the all-but-forgotten Nakhi Kingdom of southwest China. In a role perfectly suited to his inquisitive and sociable nature, Goullart worked to get to know the local traders, merchants, inn-keepers, and artisans to decide who would receive backing from the cooperative movement.

A Russian by birth, Goullart possessed an extraordinary skill in languages and dialects, which allowed him to become completely at home in Likiang. This city was governed by Mandarin officials descended from ancient dynasties and was a hub for caravans of Tibetan and Burmese merchants, as well as mysterious local highland peoples like the Lobos. Through his eyes, we witness the love affairs and social rivalries of his neighbours, attend grand banquets, meet ancient dowagers and handsome warriors, and capture the sounds of swiftly running mountain streams, the coarse ribaldry of the market ladies, and the joyful laughter from the wine shops.

Through Goullart's vivid storytelling, we are transported back to this complex society that sincerely believed in Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, alongside their ancient Animism and Shamanism.