Eastern Philosophy: The Greatest Thinkers and Sages from Ancient to Modern Times [Hardcover]

Kevin Burns (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2, 2006

A clear and engaging presentation of history's most influential Eastern thinkers

Eastern Philosophy provides a detailed but accessible analysis of the work of nearly sixty thinkers from all of the major Eastern philosophical traditions, from the earliest times to the present day. Covering systems, schools, and individuals, Eastern Philosophy presents founder figures such as Zoroaster and Mohammed as well as modern thinkers such as Nishida Kitaro, perhaps the preeminent figure within modern Japanese philosophy. From Buddhism to Islam, Confucius to Gandhi, the systems of Indian philosophy to the Kyoto School, concepts and individuals are introduced in a lively and lucid narrative. Eastern Philosophy is a thought-provoking and stimulating exploration of fundamental ideas and an array of personalities that is sure to encourage further investigation. A comprehensive glossary, Web resources, and a bibliography further enhance the volume.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up–As its subtitle indicates, Burns's text is organized around people rather than ideas or chronology. The anonymous Upanishads get their own entry, but generally, uppercase or boldface personal names introduce specific philosophical positions. Eastern guidebooks often overlook Zoroastrianism and Islam, but Burns devotes a quarter of the space to them. Readers reach Gandhi, Mao, and Nishida in the 20th century, but not Falun Gong. Pace, vocabulary, allusions, and complex ideas mark this as a volume for advanced students; the writing is neither clear nor lively enough to entice beginners. The absence of summaries or digests of each philosophy makes this volume most useful for those seeking the contributions of individual thinkers. The typeface is small and faint, and the index is eye-defyingly compressed. Eastern Religions (Oxford, 2005), edited by Michael D. Coogan, has more than twice as many pages and full-color illustrations.–Patricia D. Lothrop, St. George's School, Newport, RI
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Review

"'Eastern' guidebooks often overlook Zoroastrianism and Islam, but Burns devotes a quarter of the space to them." -- School Library Journal, June 1, 2006

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books (May 2, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592700535
• ISBN-13: 978-1592700530
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,416,467 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A descriptive survey of spiritual and philosophical figures from the dawn of history, May 3, 2006

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eastern Philosophy: The Greatest Thinkers and Sages from Ancient to Modern Times (Hardcover)

Eastern Philosophy: The Greatest Thinkers And Sages From Ancient To Modern Times by Kevin Burns offers a descriptive survey of spiritual and philosophical figures from the dawn of history. Presenting more then fifty major figures, Eastern Philosophy offers readers a succinct understanding of the lives and messages of such influential sages as Mohandas Gandhi, Laozi, Al-Hallaj, Confucius, Al-Kindi, Zoroaster and the histories of such philosophies as Indian and Hindi, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Islamic, and Zoroastrianism. Eastern Philosophy is accessible and very highly recommended reading, especially for students of the great world religions and philosophies.