Shangri-La as a utopia, sacred place, and a prison in James Hilton’s "Lost Horizon"

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore James Hilton’s Lost Horizon in the context of its utopian character and historical and mythical parallels that make up its setting, Shangri-La, as a refuge, but also a paradoxical prison. This study delves into the historical and cultural context of the Western imagination's portrayal of Tibet as a sacred and mystical place and places it within the context of British imperialism, emphasising the misconceptions and romanticised notions associated with the country. The paper also explores the sources and inspirations behind Hilton's setting and characters, highlighting the connection between Hilton's Shangri-La and the mythical Tibetan kingdom of Shambhala.