Alexandra David-Néel (born Louise Eugenie Alexandrine Marie David; 1868 - 1969) was a Belgian–French explorer, spiritualist, Buddhist, anarchist, opera singer, and writer. She is most known for her 1924 visit to Lhasa, Tibet, when it was forbidden to foreigners. David-Néel wrote over 30 books about Eastern religion, philosophy, and her travels, including Magic and Mystery in Tibet. Her teachings influenced many popularisers of Buddhism