The Buddha: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) [Paperback]

Michael Carrithers (Author)

Book Description

Series: Very Short Introductions | Publication Date: June 7, 2001

In this valuable introduction, Michael Carrithers guides us through the complex and sometimes conflicting information that Buddhist texts give us about the life and teaching of the Buddha. He discusses the social and political background of India in the Buddha's time and traces the development of his thought. He also assesses the rapid and widespread assimilation of Buddhism and its contemporary relevance. Well-paced and informative, this introduction will enlighten not only those who study Buddhism and comparative religion but anyone intrigued by the remarkable philosophy of one of the greatest religious thinkers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`admirably well-paced and informative.' Galen Strawson, Sunday Times --n/a

About the Author

Michael Carrithers is Professor of Anthropology at the University of Durham and author of The Forest Monks of Sri Lanka and Why Humans Have Cultures: Explaining Anthropology and Social Diversity (both published by OUP).

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (June 7, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192854534
• ISBN-13: 978-0192854537
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #270,044 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to early Buddhist thought, November 6, 2003

By 

David Fowler (Santa Barbara, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Buddha (Past Masters) (Paperback)

This book, perhaps better than any other I've read, brings to light the unique philosophical position of the Buddha. Carrithers clearly explains how the Buddha stood out from the intellectual background of his time and helps one understand how and why the Buddha arrived at his views. A brilliant account of the Buddha's life and teachings not only for its scholarship but also for its refreshing lucidity.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A short, engaging, intelligent digest, April 20, 2001

By 

Sarakani (Harrow United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Buddha: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) (Paperback)

This is a recycled version of the same book by the same publisher in the Past Masters series. It is a pity there have been no changes if any made to the original work done in 1983 as a few things have changed in Buddhist studies since then. At least the pictures are better and the book looks shorter than the original transmission.

A sharp, highly critical approach with the most important elements highlighted. A coherent essay of depth and rigour. A joy to read and appreciate.

This is the 2nd book on Buddhism in the A Very Short Introduction series (VSI) by OUP. The book "Buddhism a VSI" by D. Keown is also excellent. In fact most of the books on the VSI series seem to be brilliant. To be recommended to anyone, cheap to buy, cheaper to read and the taste is very expensive.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Academic yet readable, thougrough, lucid and concise, September 2, 2003

By 

Mr. Nicholas Good (Surrey UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Buddha: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) (Paperback)

This work is in essence a reprint of the earlier Past Masters work 'The Buddha'. It provides a succinct, clear overviews of the historic Buddha, his teachings and the development and spread of these up to the present day.

Written by a British Anthropologist from an academic perspective - but accessible to general readers, this work is stripped of the enigmatic and ethereal detritus that presents a barrier to understanding in some Buddhist writing, especially for those of an empirical and sceptical bent. Despite the detached, academic style, it is nevertheless clear that Carrithers is deeply impressed with Buddhism.....as will many readers be after finishing this book.

This work is very short, only around 100 pages, and this adds to its power. I recommend it unreservedly as a concise introduction to Buddhism. Certainly the most succinct, lucid yet thougrough overview of Buddhism that I've yet read.