The body of this work first appeared as separate papers in the journal of the 'Panjab Historical Society'. It is a very well researched book, in 2 volumes, that lays out the historical background of the small hill kingdoms of the now states of Himachal Pradesh and Southern Jammu and Kashmir. The hill states noticed are Kangra, Guler, Jaswn, Siba, Datapur, Nurpur, Chamba, Suket, Mandi, Kullu, Lahul, Spiti, Kutlehr, Bangahal, Mankot, Chanehni, Bandratta, Basohli, Bhadrawah, Rajauri, Punch, Bhimber and Kharikhariyali. The book ends with 7 appendices 5 of which are extracts from treaties concluded by the various states with the British or their neighbouring states. The 7th appendix describes the death ceremonies of the hill kings. About the Author Jean Philippe Vogel was a Dutch Sanskritist and epigraphist who worked with the Archaeological Survey of India from 191 to 1914 and later, as Professor in the University of Leiden.