The Snow Leopard

De: Peter Matthiessen, Pico Iyer - introduction

Narrado por: Peter Matthiessen

In 1973, Peter Matthiessen and field biologist George Schaller traveled high into the remote mountains of Nepal to study the Himalayan blue sheep and possibly glimpse the rare and beautiful snow leopard. Matthiessen, a student of Zen Buddhism, was also on a spiritual quest to find the Lama of Shey at the ancient shrine on Crystal Mountain. As the climb proceeds, Matthiessen charts his inner path as well as his outer one, with a deepening Buddhist understanding of reality, suffering, impermanence, and beauty.

©1978 Peter Matthiessen (P)2014 Penguin Audio

A TRAVELOG

This is the travelog of Peter Matthiessen's trip up the icy mountains in search of the white leopard. Although there was no major drama, the story moves along matter of factly and quite well, pulling the reader into the environment, providing insight into lives of those who live in that rugged part of the world., As many books can be made or broken by the reader, Mr Matthiessen's narration was a definite plus and put this book over the top.

An enchanting experience

I cannot recall of ever hearing of this book before Flea (of Red Hot Chili Peppers) suggested it on an Instagram video.

It turned out to be a delight. A classic out & back journey tale laid out as a long meditation on the Himalayan region, Buddhism and the human condition. With plenty of detailed descriptions of the beauty of the landscape, its flora and fauna as well as portraits of its human inhabitants.

Mystical and lovingly haunting. A new favorite.

Absolutely loved it. One I'll read again and again in times of search and reflection.

Must read/listen

I love to read however I listened to this book narrated by Peter Matthiesson. Snow Leopard is an unforgettable spiritual journey through the Himalayas. As the climb proceeds, Matthiessen charts his inner path as well as his outer one, with a deepening Buddhist understanding of reality, suffering, impermanence, and beauty.

Wonderful recording of a beloved book

This review is more about the production, abridgment and recording of this incredible book and journey. The book itself is without compare in the annals of Himalayan travel and inner exploration. The recording and abridgment, completed by the late Peter Matthiessen himself is mystifying and entrancing. I usually steer far clear of abridged works, and especially those that I have read in their complete form before, but when I heard that Mr. Matthiessen had done the abridgment himself I was enticed. I was not disappointed. Yes, his voice is deep and gravelly; yes it is the recounting by an older man of his younger self; but the mystery and wonder is still there, and the emotions are brought to life by the voice of the author. I am so grateful to have this production on audio and cannot recommend it more highly to lovers of great travel writing, the Himalaya, Buddhism, Nepal, field biology, and the grieving process for a loved one through adventurous pursuits. Mr. Matthiessen was one of the greatest naturalists and nature writers this planet has known, and this story is one of his best, even in itʻs abridged form. Enjoy. Namaste!

The best audiobook experience I know

This is a lovely story of soul searching on an adventure trek in high mountains. Strangers in an exotic land. My words are feeble. Peter Matthiessen’s are powerful, insightful, reflective. And read in his own beautiful and mature voice. This is the best audiobook I know.

Great book

It’s the journey, not just getting there. I like the inner thoughts and his changing perspectives

Excellent

I read the book decades ago but enjoyed the audio book even more due to the author's narration.

Great life lessons learned.

I love that the narrator of this book is the person who actually had the experience.

A wonderful story told in extraordinary fashion

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this to friends who are curious and search for truth.

What did you like best about this story?

Principally the narration, as Matthiessen narrated it himself, shortly before he passed away. The story gains depth and meaning through his voice, aged and full of power.

Any additional comments?

Simply superb.