This is an authoritative account of all that is known of the life of the great teacher by the late Edward J. Thomas, who is highly regarded as a Buddhist scholar. He is the author of Early Buddhist Scriptures and The History of Buddhist Thought.

Utilizing information that has never been presented in a Western form, Dr Thomas's treatment of his subject is as thorough as one could wish. His knowledge of the sources, his historical sense, and the soundness of his judgment make him a reliable guide in a complex field.