<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: A fine textbook on the subject
Review: "An Intriduction to Hinduism" is an excellent book for a beginning student of that religion. It is up to date and covers all the major topics with as much depth as any introductory work to such a huge subject could be expected to. It is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in the subject, although it is, or course, only the beginning of the available material about Hinduism.
Rating:
Summary: A fine textbook on the subject
Review: "An Intriduction to Hinduism" is an excellent book for a beginning student of that religion. It is up to date and covers all the major topics with as much depth as any introductory work to such a huge subject could be expected to. It is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in the subject, although it is, or course, only the beginning of the available material about Hinduism.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Introduction
Review: Flood's writing is very dry, but he certainly knows what he is talking about. This book is not so much an introduction for people looking to learn something new, but a great reference for those hoping to learn more.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Too Shabby
Review: Flood's writing is very dry, but he certainly knows what he is talking about. This book is not so much an introduction for people looking to learn something new, but a great reference for those hoping to learn more.
Rating:
Summary: The Introduction to Hinduism
Review: Gavin Flood's introduction is not only comprehensive, but readable. I have taught this book for two years now and feel that my students glean a sense not just of Hindu traditions today but also of the history and transformations of Hindu traditions through time. The best thing about the book is the subtle incorporation of the latest scholarly work on Hinduism. At the same time, Flood appreciates the insider's perspective and what is really significant to Hindus themselves. Flood has conducted research in both North and South India and is sensitive to the geographic differences of religious practice in India. Previous reviews on amazon.com suggesting that Flood uses the Aryan migration question as an organizing principle of his book are ludicrous. He devotes a total of 5 pages to this discussion in the middle of the second chapter. Hardly an obsession. Furthermore, the unsubstantiated charge of Orientalism by another reviewer also seems misplaced. A minute's glance at the bibliography shows that Flood has used Indological (textual), anthropological, historical, and feminist scholarly literature to produce his introduction. This is an excellent work on the history of Hindu religious traditions that deserves a place among the best out there.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Introduction
Review: Having read several similar titles I would say that this highly readable book is perhaps the best I have come across. Flood brings the important strands together in easily manageable chapters, and includes much imortant recent scholarship.
To link this book or its author to an 'orientalist' agenda (as an earlier reviewer appears to) is frankly ridiculous.
<< 1 >>
| 
