Michael Carrithers guides us through the complex and sometimes conflicting information that Buddhist texts give about the life and teaching of the Buddha. He discusses the social and political background of India in the Buddha's time, and traces the development of his thought. He also assesses the rapid and widespread assimilation of Buddhism and its contemporary relevance. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

About the Author
Michael Carrithers is Professor of Anthropology at the University of Durham and author of The Forest Monks of Sri Lanka and Why Humans Have Cultures: Explaining Anthropology and Social Diversity (both published by OUP).

Reviews
admirably well-paced and informative. * Galen Strawson, Sunday Times *



Book Information
ISBN 9780192854537
Author Michael Carrithers
Format Paperback
Page Count 128
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 119g
Dimensions(mm) 179mm * 113mm * 8mm