1899, The Light of Asia by Sir Edwin Arnold, Henry Altemus

Sir Edwin Arnold's "The Light of Asia" is an epic poem that narrates the life and teachings of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha. The work delves into his spiritual journey, from his birth as a prince in India to his renunciation of worldly riches and his quest for enlightenment. It explores core Buddhist themes such as suffering, the craving for sensuality, and the path to inner peace through right understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.Sir Edwin Arnold (1832-1904) was an English poet and journalist, best known for this 1879 work. He was educated at King's School, Rochester, King's College London, and University College, Oxford, where he won the Newdigate Prize for poetry. Arnold's experiences in India, where he served as Principal of the Deccan College at Poona, heavily influenced his literary endeavors and provided material for his future works. He was also a writer for The Daily Telegraph for forty years and was knighted in 1888."The Light of Asia" holds significant historical and literary importance as one of the first successful efforts to popularize Buddhism for a Western readership. Published in 1879, it gained immense popularity and was translated into numerous languages, influencing prominent figures like Mahatma Gandhi, who was inspired to study his own religion after encountering the poem. The poem's appeal lay in its portrayal of the Buddha's humanity rather than his divinity, making his journey relatable and profound to a wide audience. Collectors might find this book interesting due to its role in introducing Eastern philosophy to the West and its lasting impact on cultural and political thought.This book is in good condition. Paper over boards with a lovely embossed frieze featuring a floral motif. The cover is worn along edges and corners with some chipping to the front board (bottom right-hand corner). Decorative endpapers. Frontispiece of author portrait. Hinges tight. Binding sturdy. Text block is crisp and clean.Illustrated edition. Hardcover. No dust jacket. Bound in paper over boards. This is an antiquarian book that has had a long and illustrious journey through time. Please take a look at the pictures to ascertain the condition of this item.Location: ABS-1-1-002