Author Description

For the past two thousand years and more, the figure of Gautama, the Buddha, has attracted hagiographers and legend-makers whose writings have, for the most part, left readers with a sense of dissatisfaction and frustration. At the same time, there has been a flood of arcane scholarship on particular aspects of the Buddha's life, times, and teaching which has left the discriminating reader unmoved. This biography, written with rare elegance, delicacy, and verve will serve as a breath of fresh air.