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Covering all the Buddhist schools from Mahayana to Zen, this comprehensive, concise study is widely acknowledged as the classic introduction to the history of the Buddhist tradition. Authored by one the most distinguished scholars of Buddhism, it provides a compact summary of the tradition’s development, from the life of the Buddha in early north-east India to the twentieth-century exile of the Dalai Lama. With skill, sympathy, and insight, Conze traces 2,500 years of Buddhist history, providing a lively explanation of the origins of Buddhism and its main doctrines. From homeless monks to the ancient symbol of the mandala, this authoritative guide is a perfect reference for students of all levels and a stimulating introduction for general readers interested in Buddhism and its teachings. About The Author Edward Conze studied Indian and comparative philosophy at the universities of Bonn and Hamburg. He later lectured in psychology, philosophy, and comparative religion at Oxford, held a number of academic appointments, and served as Vice-President of the Buddhist Society. His many books include Buddhist Texts Through the Ages, also published by Oneworld. Table of Contents Introduction The First Five Hundred Years: 500-0 BC The Second Period: AD 0-500 The Third Period: AD 500-1000 The Last One Thousand Years: AD 1000-1978 Bibliography Index