This volume offers a critical analysis of one the most ambitious editorial projects of late Victorian Britain: the edition of the fifty substantial volumes of the Sacred Books of the East (1879-1910). The series was edited and conceptualized by Friedrich Max Müller (1823-1900), a world-famous German-born philologist, orientalist, and religious scholar. Müller and his influential Oxford colleagues secured financial support from the India Office of the British Empire and from Oxford University Press. Arie L. Molendijk documents how the series has become a landmark in the development of the humanities-especially the study of religion and language-in the second half of the nineteenth century. The edition also contributed significantly to the Western perception of the 'religious' or even 'mystic' East, which was textually represented in English translations. The series was a token of the rise of 'big science' and textualized the East, by selecting their 'sacred books' and bringing them under the power of western scholarship.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1897.

Beginning in 1895, includes the Proceedings of the East India Association.

Beginning in 1895, includes the Proceedings of the East India Association.

The Sacred Books of the East by F. Max Müller: Journey into the sacred texts of the Eastern religions with 'The Sacred Books of the East.' Compiled by F. Max Müller, this comprehensive collection brings together significant religious scriptures from ancient Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern traditions. From the Vedas and Upanishads to the teachings of Confucius and the wisdom of the Quran, these revered texts offer profound insights into the spiritual beliefs, rituals, and philosophies that have shaped Eastern cultures for millennia. Key Aspects of the Book 'The Sacred Books of the East': Religious Diversity: Explore the rich diversity of Eastern religions through the inclusion of sacred texts from various traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Islam, among others. Philosophical Wisdom: Encounter the profound philosophical and spiritual teachings embedded within these texts, as they address fundamental questions about existence, ethics, the nature of reality, and the path to enlightenment. Cultural Significance: Gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of these sacred texts, as they have served as guiding principles for communities, shaped religious practices, and influenced the development of Eastern civilizations. Max Müller, a renowned scholar of comparative religion and philology, compiled 'The Sacred Books of the East.' Müller's lifelong dedication to the study of religious traditions and his expertise in ancient languages allowed him to bring together this extensive collection of sacred texts, offering readers a comprehensive resource for exploring the spiritual heritage of Eastern cultures. Müller's work continues to be celebrated for its scholarly rigor and contribution to the understanding of world religions.