One of the best-known and best-loved works of Buddhist literature; the Dhammapada forms part of the oldest surviving body of Buddhist writings; and is traditionally regarded as the authentic teachings of the Buddha himself; spoken by him in his lifetime; and memorized and handed on by his followers after his death. A collection of simple verses gathered in themes such as 'awareness'; 'fools' and 'old age'; the Dhammapada is accessible; instructional and mind-clearing; with lessons in each verse to give ethical advice and to remind the listener of the transience of life. For more than seventy years; Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1;700 titles; Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors; as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
#316199 in Books 2000-08-01 2000-08-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.80 x 1.85 x 5.10l; 1.33 #File Name: 0140437983880 pages
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating FeistyBy Thomas PriceHaving just finished General Grant's beautifully written Memoirs; I wanted to read those by his most trusted friend and colleague; Sherman. Both generals were wonderful writers; but Grant is more low-key and avoids contorversy and recrimination as much as possible. Not so Sherman; who defends himself against individuals who tried to undermine him; mentions the dubious competency of certain Northern officers and politicians; and vigorously defends the absolute necessity; as he saw it; of his devastating march through Georgia and up through the Carolinas. But the really wonderful thing about Sherman's writing is his extraordinary ability at scene painting and evoking mood; so the reader almost feels like he's breathtakingly present at many of these harrowing marches and bloody engagements. I thought this memoir was better written than most novels; and more exciting considering the reality of the events. Then there are the little anecdotes about people he met along the way that further enliven the narrative. The early section on the U.S; settlement of California and the develoment of early San Francisco was fascinating; especially to someone like myself who had lived in that city for many years. Sherman includes many copies of official orders and correspondence; plus at the beginning of each chapter the orders of march and battle; and at the end statistics on killed; wounded; missing; and prisoners taken. It's a long read; but I couldn't put it down.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great book; info not obtained elsewhereBy jack greenThis is a great; great book. Sherman was an excellent writer. You learn some things you don't learn in other Civil War books. For example when Sherman conquered Atlanta; he made all the civilians leave--pregnant women; mothers with new born babies; the critically sick...everyone; no excuses. The reason for doing this is the Union had a history now of having conquered towns; e.g.; Vicksburg; and then to contain the civilians--to prevent them from spying; fighting guerilla actions--having to leave behind part of the army thereby weakening it. The Confederate general; Hood; wrote him a scathing letter basically telling Sherman how dishonorable he was for doing this. This led to an exchange of three letters from each man excoriorating the other. All of them closing with "your obedient servant".There are letters; field reports; frequently throughout the book. They demonstrate how decisive Sherman was and how he almost knew preternaturally what to do. For example; after Sherman conquered Atlanta. Hood left the Atlanta area and headed west to harass Sherman and get him out of Georgia. He chased Hood for awhile. Then he decided that it was futile chasing Hood all over because he; Sherman; wasn't accomplishing anything by doing this. He wanted to leave some of his army behind to protect his rear; railroads; and supply lines. Then he wanted to go back to Atlanta and start his march to the sea. He exchanged letters with Grant making his case Grant refused twice and then came around.You also learn some of the day to day chores of the army and how efficient they were. For example; their railroads and bridges would be destroyed and they'd have them working again most of the time in a matter of days.Something that was interesting is you always heard what a great cavalry officer the Confederate Forrest was. Sherman always spoke of him with a great deal of respect. However except for one instance; Forrest appeared to be mostly a gnat that has to be swatted away; who annoys; but does no real damage.The attitudes about African Americans are indicated. Hood in one of his letters protesting to Sherman; which he did a lot; you would think they weren't fighting a war for all the favors Hood asked of Sherman. Hood explains that Southern slavery has elevated the negro to a higher plane of existence of nowhere else in the world. He also writes to a Union officer when he offers; if the officer surrenders; that all the white soldiers will be paroled. However Sherman was no more enlightened. He dropped the n word exclusively when talking about African Americans.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Burning with Uncle Billy and his army of swamp dogs.By Lady Of the Dark TowerI read this wonderful book of war some twenty years ago; and just had to have it again. Sherman was an amazingly intellectual man; obviously with a very high intelligence rating. His ideals of ending the war by taking the horrors of an invading army among the farm villages and small towns of Georgia and South Carolina were just what had to be done to stop the war. His brilliance as an organizer and leader did exactly what he promised Lincoln--brought the end of the horrible bloody war; which the Southern generals and politicians simply would not stop. His writing is very clear and intelligent; though of course one must understand that he treats himself quite kindly. I enjoyed the book this second time around as much as I did the first. No real history buff should go without reading it.
