Criticism & Theory, Medieval, Asian, Literary, Ethnic Studies 

The Ramayana originally appeared as a Sanskrit verse epic in India. It was written down some 2,000 years ago by the poet known to us as Valmiki. In its fifth book called the ?Sundara Kanda,? he focuses on Hanuman?s adventures. The deeply devotional Valmiki included many words praising Lord Hanuman in his Ramayana, which contemporary readers can find disruptive. William Buck undertook to retell the tale for Westerners.In his retelling of the Ramayana, Buck does not lose the devotional nature of Valmiki?s work and captures all the courtly intrigue, fierce battles, nobility of spirit, heroic renunciation, and the triumph of good over evil. Buck does this in a length and manner that is completely acceptable to contemporary readers. It is a feat of no little importance. Buck has created a fair representation of the Indian epic that people new to Indian classics can read and enjoy. The majesty of the tail remains. There is plenty here to inspire you tackle your own worldly obstacles and guidance on how to overcome them. You?ll be delighted you chose to read Buck?s retelling of the Ramayana. - Paperback, 461 pages. Published by the University of California Press. William Buck died at age 37 after 15 years of work retelling the Indian classics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Contemporary readers will easily discover why the Ramayana is one of the great epics of India and of great importance to Indian thought. - from Amzon