• VSI Buddhism is one of the best selling titles in the series: 26,000 copies sold since publication in 1996
• Until the 20th century, the Buddha was probably the most influential thinker in human history
• Covers the life of the Buddha and the genesis and significance of his teaching
• Also discusses how and why Buddhism spread across continents and survived so well through the centuries

  
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.