Rating: 
Summary: A concise collection of important Buddhist works
Review: Conze's book represents a good introduction to the Buddhist tradition by utilizing translations of a number of important works covering a broad range of topics, from the Legend of Shakyamuni Buddha to an excerpt from the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Completely comprehensive it is not, but then no single text could ever hope to cover the entire spectrum of the tradition. It does, however, present the beginner with a good introduction to Buddhist doctrine and exposure to some of the most important Buddhist literature available in English translation.
Rating:
Summary: A concise collection of important Buddhist works
Review: Conze's book represents a good introduction to the Buddhist tradition by utilizing translations of a number of important works covering a broad range of topics, from the Legend of Shakyamuni Buddha to an excerpt from the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Completely comprehensive it is not, but then no single text could ever hope to cover the entire spectrum of the tradition. It does, however, present the beginner with a good introduction to Buddhist doctrine and exposure to some of the most important Buddhist literature available in English translation.
Rating:
Summary: Solid Selection
Review: I read this book for an upper division religious studies class in Buddhism at UC Davis. My limited knowledge of Buddhist Canon aside, this is a solid and concise collection of the most basic Buddhist scriptures that are common to almost all schools. In our class we studied Indian and Chinese Buddhism, and used this book in conjunction with Hirakawa Akira's well-known "A History of Indian Buddhism." The latter book is a very terse and informative synthesis of the life's work of one of Japan's most highly regarded scholars on Buddhism and is the kind of book that one might want to read alongside Conze for historical context. I say this because although Conze does give brief introductions to each translation, the average reader with little or no knowledge of the development of Buddhist canon will not walk away from this book alone with a very thorough knowledge of just what he or she is actually reading. That's not to say this book is "scholarly." On the contrary, Conze's translations are straightforward and easy to read, but you will get more out of this book if you already know at least a little about the history behind the writings. Conze includes translations of works on such topics as: the Buddha's previous lives, the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, Buddhist doctrines, Meditation, Wisdom, doctrinal formulas, disputes, and future times and Buddhas. Some specific works include excerpts from the Heart Sutra, the Diamond Sutra, the Questions of King Milinda, and doctrinal formulas on faith, vigor, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom.
Rating:
Summary: Solid Selection
Review: I read this book for an upper division religious studies class in Buddhism at UC Davis. My limited knowledge of Buddhist Canon aside, this is a solid and concise collection of the most basic Buddhist scriptures that are common to almost all schools. In our class we studied Indian and Chinese Buddhism, and used this book in conjunction with Hirakawa Akira's well-known "A History of Indian Buddhism." The latter book is a very terse and informative synthesis of the life's work of one of Japan's most highly regarded scholars on Buddhism and is the kind of book that one might want to read alongside Conze for historical context. I say this because although Conze does give brief introductions to each translation, the average reader with little or no knowledge of the development of Buddhist canon will not walk away from this book alone with a very thorough knowledge of just what he or she is actually reading. That's not to say this book is "scholarly." On the contrary, Conze's translations are straightforward and easy to read, but you will get more out of this book if you already know at least a little about the history behind the writings. Conze includes translations of works on such topics as: the Buddha's previous lives, the historical Buddha Shakyamuni, Buddhist doctrines, Meditation, Wisdom, doctrinal formulas, disputes, and future times and Buddhas. Some specific works include excerpts from the Heart Sutra, the Diamond Sutra, the Questions of King Milinda, and doctrinal formulas on faith, vigor, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom.
Rating:
Summary: Nice collection of various Buddhist writings.
Review: Like any translation should be, this book reads as if it were written in English. More than that it is superbly written as well. It begins with stories of the Buddha's past lives, then a short rendition of his life. It follows with selections covering the three doctrines of Morality, Meditation, and Wisdom. And closes with some other writings including a short clip from the Tibetan Book of the Dead. I actually enjoyed reading this book more than the Gospel of Buddha, and would have given it 5 stars had it maintained its grip consistently. It also includes selections from Dharmapada, the Buddhacarita, and the Questions of King Milinda.
Rating:
Summary: A solid introduction
Review: The translator, Edward Conze, in attempting to include what is common to most Buddhists rather than concentrating on what separates them, has made some difficult choices and has made them well. Though readability is not too highly stressed at the expense of accuracy, the resulting work is accessible to readers of varying education and interest levels. (Given the difficulty of the ideas expressed in many of the selections included, this is no small accomplishment.) I would recommend this book as an introduction to Buddhist thought and as an aid to further study (though I would not necessarily recommend it as an end to the matter for one whose interests tend toward the academic). The glossary and the list of sources included at the end are both quite helpful.
Rating:
Summary: A solid introduction
Review: The translator, Edward Conze, in attempting to include what is common to most Buddhists rather than concentrating on what separates them, has made some difficult choices and has made them well. Though readability is not too highly stressed at the expense of accuracy, the resulting work is accessible to readers of varying education and interest levels. (Given the difficulty of the ideas expressed in many of the selections included, this is no small accomplishment.) I would recommend this book as an introduction to Buddhist thought and as an aid to further study (though I would not necessarily recommend it as an end to the matter for one whose interests tend toward the academic). The glossary and the list of sources included at the end are both quite helpful.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent book. Perfect selection of writings.
Review: This book gives a solid introduction to the teachings and philosophies of Buddhism, without being so datailed as to alienate the averahe reader. The sections from the "Questions of King Milinda" explain many things with clear and comprehendable similes. The language is sophisticated without being overly esoteric.
Rating:
Summary: An excellant first book for those interested in Buddhism
Review: This book gives a solid introduction to the teachings and philosophies of Buddhism, without being so datailed as to alienate the averahe reader. The sections from the "Questions of King Milinda" explain many things with clear and comprehendable similes. The language is sophisticated without being overly esoteric.
Rating:
Summary: A comprehensive compendium
Review: This book works better as an introduction to Buddhism than many popularly available introductions. A personal selection of well translated material from a real scholar. It is hard to avoid going back to particular sections for pleasure and reference again and again.
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