Hindu Scriptures: Edited with new translations by the author
These two marvelous books complement each other well. Goodall has significantly revised R.C. Zaehner's book on Hindu scriptures (Everyman, 1966) by deleting some parts and adding the Yajnavalkya-Smrti (a work on conduct, legal proceedings, and penitential rites), the first seven chapters of the Kirana-Tantra (a work on initiation into the Saiva Siddhanta cult), and the Bhagavat-Purana (a work expressing popular devotionalism). Goodall's brief introduction is helpful, but mainly the book provides fresh translations of portions of the Rig and Athavara Vedas, some Upanishads, and the Bhagavad-Gita. Powell's work is a useful introduction to the Hindu scriptures. It gives information on their composition, summaries of their content, and demonstrations of their significance for Hinduism. The first chapter provides solid guidance on how to read a sacred text and offers an overview of the immense and complex Hindu canon. Powell also includes a glossary of Hindu terms and even diagrams such as the one showing the Mahabharata family tree. While Goodall's work provides an excellent place to begin becoming familiar with the most significant Hindu scriptures, Powell's work offers a more extensive introduction to many of the same basic Hindu texts. Both books are highly recommended for any library seeking to provide patrons with seminal and introductory material on Hindu scripture.?David Bourquin, California State Univ., San BernadinoCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.