Alexandra David-N�el

Marion Dapsance's new biography of Alexandra David-Néel delves into her subject's prolific writings to discover the true origins of her philosophy, casting new light on the myth that has grown up around the French exploratrice extraordinaire for almost a century.

Though little known outside Western Europe, Alexandra David-Néel (1868-1969) is celebrated in her native France as a major spiritual figure of the 20th century. She is remembered as a fearless adventurer, the first Westerner to ent...