Beginning with a brief account of the life of the historical Buddha and his teachings, the book looks into the schism that developed upon the death of the Buddha, the various schools that evolved around his teachings and the spread of these schools in all parts of the world, a process which is still continuing today. To be followed up with a companion volume titled Buddhism: An Introduction, which will focus on the doctrinal aspects of the religion rather than the historical.

"....Reat covers the history of Buddhism in a marvelously interesting and informative way that will appeal to the general reader. Highly recommended...." Library ournal

"...Reat's absorbing style makes his points understandable for everyone. The content is very thorough and will satisfy the scholar." ALA Booklist

1994
392 pp., notes, bibliography and index
ISBN 13: 978-0-87573-002-8
ISBN 10: 0-87573-002-7
Price: $35 - Softcover