The M[O]Untain Of Light Ballantine Books (NY) and Future—are both universal and

and Future—are both universal and deeply personal

the opening of Japan’s ports by Commodore Perry

it was tedious

And how accurate are the views of foreign commentators

Many of these stories begin with the familiar refrain of “once upon a time”--but they end with something unexpected and fascinating

The M[O]Untain Of Light Ballantine Books (NY) and Future—are both universal andBy the time Queen Victoria slipped the kohinoor on her wrist, the gem had travelled around the world, changing hands over the centuries from one ruler to another in Persia, Afghanistan and India. The fascinating story of this 105 carat diamond opens in 1830, when the Indian Maharaja and founder of the Sikh empire, Ranjit Singh, takes possession of the massive jewel that has been passed from man to man, king to king and emperor to emperor, through