Includes bibliographical references (p. [237]-239) and indexes.
Publisher's Summary:
This work explains the realities behind the appearance of images of deities in Asia by exploring the historical, religious and philosophical background from which they emerged and the concepts they express. Intended for both scholar and layman, its lucid style makes accessible the vast range of scholarship it is based upon. The book contains translations of extracts of original ancient texts, a systematic index, a glossary of terms, diagrams and over 70 plates. (source: Nielsen Book Data)