A Concise History of Buddhism

From 500 BCE-1900 CE

By: Andrew Skilton

Narrated by: Jinananda

An ideal introduction to the history of Buddhism.

Andrew Skilton - Senior Research Fellow in Buddhist Studies, Kings College, London - explains the development of the basic concepts of Buddhism and its spread across the continents during its 2,500 years of history.

He begins with a close look at Buddhism in India, where it flourished until the 12th/13th century CE, charting the growth of different schools and practices. By the time it disappeared from its homeland midway through the millennium, it had become established in Central Asia and the Far East in a variety of forms.

Skilton looks at Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Burma and Southeast Asia, China, Korea, Japan, Tibet and Mongolia and in countries where there are now only archeological remains, such as Iran. This is a fascinating and useful insight into the historical progress of one of the world's great religions.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©1994 Andrew Skilton (P)2016 Ukemi Productions Ltd

read buy ?

My store in more words or another. Was my favorite to begin with still lessoning from time to time

Difficult for the indoctrinated

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I have some experience with Buddhism - introduced as a child - and there were a few places in this work that helped clarify key points of Buddhism philosophy. However, the historical narrative is so slow and muddled to the point where listening is extremely difficult. In my opinion, this work needs prior experience with Buddhism. It is not for the rank beginner - although that's the marketing position. Minus one star for not being honest. Minus another star for muddling pronunciation of various words to the point where the narrative slows down to a crawl.

Would you be willing to try another book from Andrew Skilton? Why or why not?

I may. Depends on the topic.

What three words best describe Jinananda’s voice?

Unexciting.

Did A Concise History of Buddhism inspire you to do anything?

This book inspired me to look for another book to read.

Great overview of the development of Buddhism!

The book gives a concise and systematized overview of Buddhism in India (primarily) and the rest of Asia (secondarily). Narration is also brilliant!

Good book w ok narration

A great fairly concise history of Buddhism. It feels quite a bit more focused on the earlier stage of Buddhism within India and then a bit rushed when covering the later history within different Buddhist nations. The narrator overall is fine but there are some pronunciation mistakes, which can be somewhat annoying because the author tends to explain technical Buddhist terms in English once and then uses the Sanskrit/Pāli/etc throughout

Good book, weirdly edited.

Kinda confused at the end, seems to have cut off at random, then foreword again?