The Blue Annals (deb ther sngon po) is a highly-regarded history of Tibetan Buddhist lineages and sectarian traditions. It is remarkable for its ecumenical perspective and comprehensiveness. The author, Gölo Zhönnupel ('gos lo gzhon nu dpal, 1392-1481), composed this work in only a few years, completing it in 1476 at age 84. This English translation was made by Russian Tibetologist George N. Roerich (1902-1960) with the assistance of Gendün Chömpel (dge 'dun chos 'phel, ?1905-?1951) and first published in Calcutta in 1949. The translation is dated in certain respects but overall this is an indispensable resource for the religious history of Tibet through the fifteenth century. (Jann Ronis 2004-03-18)