Synopses & Reviews
Few works in world literature have inspired so vast an audience, in nations with radically different languages and cultures, as the
Ramayana and
Mahabharata, two Sanskrit verse epics written some 2,000 years ago.
In Ramayana (written by a poet known to us as Valmiki), William Buck has retold the story of Prince Ramaand#151;with all its nobility of spirit, courtly intrigue, heroic renunciation, fierce battles, and triumph of good over eviland#151;in a length and manner that will make the great Indian epics accessible to the contemporary reader.
The same is true for the Mahabharataand#151;in its original Sanskrit, probably the longest Indian epic ever composed. It is the story of a dynastic struggle, between the Kurus and Pandavas, for land. In his introduction, Sanskritist B. A. van Nooten notes, "Apart from William Buckand#8217;s rendition [no other English version has] been able to capture the blend of religion and martial spirit that pervades the original epic."
Presented accessibly for the general reader without compromising the spirit and lyricism of the originals, William Buckand#8217;s Ramayana and Mahabharata capture the essence of the Indian cultural heritage.
Synopsis
Few works in world literature have inspired so vast an audience, in nations with radically different languages and cultures, as the
Mahabharata, written some 2,000 years ago and probably the longest Indian epic ever composed. It is a story of dynastic struggle, culminating in an awesome battle between two branches of a single Indian ruling family. It is a moral and philosophical tale as well as a historical one. In his introduction Sanskritist B. A. van Nooten notes, "Apart from William Buck's rendition no other English version has] been able to capture the blend of religion and martial spirit that pervades the original epic." Stunningly illustrated with majestic imagery throughout, this 35th anniversary edition is a true collector's item.
About the Author
William Buck(1933-1970) was a Sanskritist, devoting his life's work to modern retellings of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the unfinished Harivamsa.