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An Introduction to Hinduism (Introduction to Religion)
 
 
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An Introduction to Hinduism (Introduction to Religion) (Paperback)

~ Gavin D. Flood (Author) "What is Hinduism?..." (more)
Key Phrases: renouncer traditions, brahmanical orthopraxy, srauta rites, Sri Vaisnava, Brahma Sutra, Yajur Veda (more...)
3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"...is one of the best and most informative intiations into Hinduism to date." Journal of Indo-European Studies

"An Introduction to Hinduism is a highly readable and authoritative conspectus on this great religion....An Introduction to Hinduism will surely find a much wider audience, for scholars of comparative religion, Indologists, and non-specialists in their distinctive ways will certainly find this handsome book well worth reading." David Hicks, Asian Thought and Society

"Flood's book is a very welcome newcomer, comprehensive, detailed and judicious." Francis X. Clooney, S.J., Theological Studies

"This new introduction to Hinduism is distinguished by exceptionally useful chapter divisions, good detail combined with ease of reading, and a particular focus on the integrated quality of the evolution of Hindu thought....The book's balance between scholarly detail and clear, readable elucidation of issues is commendable....In all, this is a valuable contribution to the undergraduate classroom. Libraries whose Hinduism holdings include other good introductions should, nonetheless, acquire this one." Choice

Product Description

This book provides a much-needed thematic and historical introduction to Hinduism, the religion of the majority of people in India. Dr. Flood traces the development of Hindu traditions from ancient origins and the major deities to the modern world. Hinduism as both a global religion and a form of nationalism are discussed. Emphasis is given to the tantric traditions, which have been so influential; to Hindu ritual, more fundamental than belief or doctrine; and to Dravidian influences. It introduces some debates within contemporary scholarship.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 359 pages
  • Publisher: Cambridge University Press (July 13, 1996)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0521438780
  • ISBN-13: 978-0521438780
  • Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #491,568 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Gavin D. Flood
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Customer Reviews

11 Reviews
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4 star:    (0)
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Average Customer Review
3.5 out of 5 stars (11 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Survey of Recent Literature, September 7, 2000
Gavin Flood's introduction is not only comprehensive, but readable. I have taught this book for two years now and feel that my students glean a sense not just of Hindu traditions today but also of the history and transformations of Hindu traditions through time. The best thing about the book is the subtle incorporation of the latest scholarly work on Hinduism. At the same time, Flood appreciates the insider's perspective and what is really significant to Hindus themselves. Flood has conducted research in both North and South India and is sensitive to the geographic differences of religious practice in India.

Previous reviews on amazon.com suggesting that Flood uses the Aryan migration question as an organizing principle of his book are ludicrous. He devotes a total of 5 pages to this discussion in the middle of the second chapter. Hardly an obsession. Furthermore, the unsubstantiated charge of Orientalism by another reviewer also seems misplaced. A minute's glance at the bibliography shows that Flood has used Indological (textual), anthropological, historical, and feminist scholarly literature to produce his introduction.

This is an excellent work on the history of Hindu religious traditions that deserves a place among the best out there.

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20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars The Introduction to Hinduism, May 5, 2001
By A Customer
Previous reviews of this text have shown either a very strong like or dislike and I have to place myself with the former. As noted in other reviews, the attacks are wide of the mark. Professor Flood is one of the leading scholars within his field and has taught Hinduism for many years at various universities and both the depth of his learning and the ability to relate this in a clear but not simplistic way to students are demonstrated here. Anyone seeking an introduction to Hinduism need look no further than this book that provides an excellent account of all its major features incorporating recent scholarship and clear analysis. My only regret is that this book was not on the market when I was an undergraduate student! I hope prospective readers will not be put off by the partial reviews given herein but will recognize this book as the definitive introduction to its subject, it is sure to become a classic eclipsing the older standard works entirely.
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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Probably the best introduction to Hinduism on the market., July 30, 1998
By A Customer
If you are looking for a single introduction to Hinduism this is the book to buy. Flood has a first rate grasp of his sources, and manages to write in a manner that is at once scholarly and reader-friendly. The diversity of Hinduism is such that it is difficult to do justice to its variety. This Introduction to Hinduism brings us as close as any book can to an appreciation of that variety.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars Hapless G. Flood drops the ball ... again.
If you are looking for an introduction to hinduism, look up Dr. David Frawley and Stephen Knapp. Look for "The True Religion and History of India", "Dancing with Siva", "The Rig... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Benjamin Freedman

3.0 out of 5 stars Dry, dry, dry
I am not an expert so I cannot comment on the Prof. Flood's scholarship which may be excellent, but I can say that this was one of the most dry, boring books I have ever read. Read more
Published on July 23, 2006 by burlhorn

5.0 out of 5 stars Well-Written and Authorative
I recommend this book for the reader who has some knowledge of Hinduism and would like to delve a little deeper into the subject. Read more
Published on June 21, 2005 by sunsoul

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Introduction
Having read several similar titles I would say that this highly readable book is perhaps the best I have come across. Read more
Published on October 7, 2003

3.0 out of 5 stars Not Too Shabby
Flood's writing is very dry, but he certainly knows what he is talking about. This book is not so much an introduction for people looking to learn something new, but a great... Read more
Published on October 22, 2001 by spf80

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb introduction to Hinduism
Having read a number of introductory works on Hinduism in my studies I have found this one unsurpassed in the range of its coverage. Read more
Published on May 5, 2000

1.0 out of 5 stars Old stuff
The archaeologists say that there is no record for invasion/immigration then why should Flood use that as the centre piece of his analytical framework for the development of... Read more
Published on October 21, 1998

1.0 out of 5 stars An Orientalist construction of Hinduism
This is much better than what used to be written on Hinduism in the West. But Flood still has to travel some more distance. Read more
Published on September 18, 1998

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