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...)

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.

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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)

Customer Reviews

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

By	Donald R. Davis Jr. (Madison, WI) - See all my reviews

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.

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.

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.