Here is the first full-length study of Ippolito Desideri, a Jesuit explorer and missionary who traveled in Tibet from 1715 to 1721. Based on close readings of a wide range of primary sources in Tibetan, Italian, and Latin, Trent Pomplun''s work follows the Jesuit''s journey across Tibet''s western deserts, his entry into the court of the Mongol chieftain Lhazang Khan, and his flight during the war that shook the Himalayan kingdom during his stay. The book examines Desideri''s writings to offer many insights into his experience of Tibetan religion and culture.