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The Rig Veda: An Anthology

Nonfiction | Book | Adult

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Book Brief

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Anonymous, Transl. Wendy Doniger

Rig Veda

Nonfiction | Book | Adult
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Ancient India • Vedic Period

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Rig Veda: An Anthology, translated by Wendy Doniger, is a selection of 108 hymns from an ancient Sanskrit collection of religious poetry, praising Bronze Age Hindu gods, describing rituals and sacrifices, and meditating on the cosmos and divine-human relationships. Composed between 1400-900 BCE and orally transmitted for a millennium, it provides insights into early Indian mythology, philosophy, and social life.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Fantastical

Inspirational

Serene

Reviews & Readership

4.2

2,006 ratings

71%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Critics praise Wendy Doniger's translation of the Rig Veda for its scholarly rigor and accessibility. Her nuanced interpretation breathes life into ancient hymns, though some purists argue her modern perspectives impose on the original text. Overall, Doniger's work bridges centuries, offering an engaging gateway to Vedic tradition.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Rig Veda?

A reader captivated by ancient Indian spirituality, mythology, and poetry would enjoy Rig Veda by Anonymous, translated by Wendy Doniger. Similar audiences also appreciate texts such as The Bhagavad Gita and The Odyssey, for their profound exploration of human nature and the divine.

4.2

2,006 ratings

71%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Ancient India • Vedic Period

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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