The Wonder That Was India (Vol 1) [Paperback]

A.L. Basham (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 4, 2000

Illus. most widely used introd. to Indian civ. although first pub. in 1954, has remained a classic interpretation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 568 pages
• Publisher: Sidgwick & Jackson; 3 edition (February 4, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0283992573
• ISBN-13: 978-0283992575
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #395,856 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars readable and scholarly, July 17, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Wonder That Was India (Vol 1) (Paperback)

This is a classic work on pre-Muslim Indian history. The author's scholarship is evident on every page. While the preface specifically states that the book is intended mainly for a Western audience, South Asians especially should find this book salutary reading--it is an account of their history that is both objective and respectful, a healthy contrast to the unscientific views of history that are often put forth by right-wing politicians in India and Pakistan. The book is a little dated when it talks about the Indus valley civilization.

26 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The standard academic survey of the early history of India, August 23, 1998

By 

S.D.P. Phronimos([e-mail]) (Athens, Greece) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wonder That Was India (Hardcover)

This is the "standard introductory textbook" that is also a true joy to read for any layman who wants some accurate information on early India. At the time the book was first published (1954), Professor Basham was teaching at the School of Oriental and African Studies of the University of London.Later he moved to the chair of Asian Civilisation, at the Australian National University, Canberra. His book remains a perennial despite his passing.

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Without peer, August 31, 2006

By 

WhoWasJohnG "basementofbooks" (Morganville, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wonder That Was India (Paperback)

Bashams scholarship is without peer, he is as comfortable translating tamil as he is in sanskrit, talks about vedic, jain and buddhist ideas with equal flair, passion and clarity.

The book presents ancient India; an idllyic society in an intellectual pursuit unparalled in any society made possible by a liberal and benign social and political environment.

His understanding of philosophy, religion, language and culture (art and prose) is just a pleasure. I am amazed to see the breadth in one person.

His timeline of history and how (only)Indian society has absorbed wave after wave or outsider and make them one in a melting pot is illuminating.

If you are intersted in understading Hindu's(or India); it's a must read, there is nothing as clearly written for an english reader as this.