Hinduism: A Short History (Oneworld Short Guides)

Hinduism: A Short History (Oneworld Short Guides)
by Klaus K. Klostermaier

Hinduism: A Short History (Oneworld Short Guides)
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Book Summary Information

Author: Klaus K. Klostermaier
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2000-02-25
ISBN: 1851682139
Number of pages: 352
Publisher: Oneworld Publications

Book Reviews of Hinduism: A Short History (Oneworld Short Guides)

Book Review: One of the best scholarly work on Hinduism
Summary: 5 Stars

This book is a rare mixture of scholarly research and a sympathetic feel towards Hinduism and India.

Every page has dozens of historical data and profound reseach.

No wonder, that it is being used in many of the American universities like Rutgers in New Jersey and McGill in Canada.

A must read for anybody interested in India and/or Hinduism


Book Review: Conciseness carried to extremes
Summary: 4 Stars

This encyclopedia certainly aims at comprehensive treatment of Hinduism; its articles range from the earliest legendary figures and texts of Hinduism to the present, and include a nice balance of different periods and regions, as well as doctrine. But it is also very frustrating to use as a resource---many entries are only one or two sentences, and just don't give enough information to be enlightening (besides not supplying any references for further reading). I found myself constantly wanting more.

Book Review: A superb introduction!
Summary: 5 Stars

This book is one of the best introductions to Hinduism. It will be ideal as a textbook in religion classes. Klostermaier has written a series of illuminating books on Hinduism and this is a worthy member of this wonderful set.

Summary of Hinduism: A Short History (Oneworld Short Guides)

This volume, the companion to A Short Introduction to Hinduism, traces the history of Hinduism from its prehistoric beginnings to the present day. In an authoritative expos of the development of this rich and varied religious tradition, Klostermaier explores the various strands that constitute this religion, considering both what has made each movement unique, and those elements common to all forms of Hinduism. This unique historical survey also features a study of Hinduism's relationship with other faiths and its prospects for the third millennium.
History has always been a problematic issue in India, where the dating of many a figure is accurate to only within centuries. So to attempt a definitive history of Hinduism would seem foolhardy. Klaus Klostermaier approximated the impossible in his 715-page Survey of Hinduism, and now he has boiled it all down to about half that size. Hinduism is defined as that family of religions that accept the Vedas as authoritative, but despite the single moniker the differences can be vast. From fertility cults to precise rituals that date back thousands of years, Klostermaier cuts across time to illustrate the major strains of Hindu tradition--Vaisnavism, Saivism, and Saktism, along with the nonsectarian smarta. He includes a short history of Hindu philosophy, which in India is inseparable from religion. Klostermaier is a first-rate scholar who expects a lot from his readers, sometimes too much. Anyone who isn't somewhat versed in Hinduism already would do well to pick up his Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism for handy reference. --Brian Bruya

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