Matthew W. King

About the Author

Matthew W. King is a historian and scholar of Tibetan and Mongolian Buddhism, whose work illuminates the intricate intersections of religion, empire, and cultural resilience in Central Asia. Drawing from extensive archival research and fieldwork in remote monasteries and historical sites, King explores how Buddhist monks navigated the turbulent collapse of the Qing Empire and the dawn of modernity. His acclaimed book, Ocean of Milk, Ocean of Blood: A Mongolian Monk in the Ruins of the Qing Empire, vividly reconstructs the life of a forgotten figure caught between imperial decline and revolutionary upheaval, offering profound insights into the spiritual and political upheavals of the early twentieth century. King's scholarship bridges academic rigor with narrative flair, making complex histories accessible and engaging for readers interested in the hidden stories of Asia's past.