A unique oral portrait of the Dalai Lama, published to coincide with his 70th birthday The Dalai Lama is one of the world's most beloved religious leaders, a man whose devotees include millions of ordinary people as well as celebrities such as Richard Gere, Goldie Hawn, and Patti Smith. Drawing on more than 50 interviews with the Dalai Lama's family, associates, and followers as well as with politicians, religious leaders, and critics, this revealing oral history explores the Dalai Lama's public career as well as his personal life from his childhood in Tibet and his exile in 1959 to his role as a worldwide spiritual leader and human rights activist and reveals the secrets behind his enduring popular appeal.