The Complete Mahabharata - Vol. 5: Bhishma Parva: Volume 5 (The Complete Mahabharata: Bhishma Parva)

The Mahabharata of Veda Vyasa is theongest recorded epic of the world. With almost 100,000 verses, it is many times asong as The Iliad and The Odyssey combined and has deeply influenced every aspect of the Indian ethos for over 4,000 years. The main theme is the Great War in Kurukshetra, but the epic teems with smaller stories and other stories within these, all woven together with a genius that defies comparison. As its heart, it contains Krishna's immortal Bhagavad Gita, the Song of God. The Mahabharata embodies the ancient and sacred Indian tradition, in all its earthy and spiritual immensity. Famously, 'What is found here may be found elsewhere. What is not found here will not be found elsewhere'. Many believe this most magnificent epic to be the greatest story ever told. Yet, the only full Indian translation of the Mahabharata into English is the 19th century one by Kisari Mohan Ganguli. More than a hundred years have passed since Ganguli accomplished his task and theanguage he used is now, sadly, archaic.

Anjuli Kaul grew up in Mumbai, lives in Goa, but dreams of Kodaikanal. She has been a teacher for thirty years. More recently, her love of language and literature has drawn her into editing and writing. She is passionate about education, organic farming, sustainable living and sunsets.