The Buddha: Life and Afterlife Between East and West

The Buddha is the most significant figure in the history of religion, and Philip Almond's new book is the first to combine a history of early traditions with an authoritative account of how he and his philosophy came to the attention of the West. It takes the reader on a journey encompassing Alexander the Great, the courts of the Mongol Khans, Jesuit missions to China and Japan, and intrepid European travelers and scholars. Almond presents the Buddha's story as multi-layered, from a world of angels and demons to an entirely different context where Buddhism mixed with the cultural preoccupations of those who tried to make sense of its complexity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Buddha, alongside Jesus and Muhammad, holds a paramount position in the annals of religious history. In his captivating new book, Philip Almond emerges as the pioneer in presenting a comprehensive narrative that intertwines a historical account of early traditions surrounding Siddhartha Gautama's life with an authoritative exploration of how he and his profound philosophy gained recognition in the West. This literary journey takes readers on an extraordinary expedition, encompassing a diverse range of topics such as Alexander the Great, the courts of the Mongol Khans, Jesuit missions to China and Japan, and intrepid European explorers and scholars from the modern era. Through a meticulous blend of Pali and Sanskrit sources, Almond presents the Buddha's story as a multifaceted tapestry, depicting a transformative journey from a realm of angels and demons, water and tree spirits, to a completely different context where Buddhism intertwined with the cultural concerns of those who embarked on a tentative, sometimes misguided, quest to unravel its intricate complexities.

Weight: 636g
Dimension: 149 x 223 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009346795