The Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki: The Complete English Translation

by Robert P. Goldman (Translator), Sally J. Sutherland Goldman (Translator)

The definitive English translation of the classic Sanskrit epic poem—now available in a one-volume paperbackThe Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki, the monumental Sanskrit epic of the life of Rama, ideal man and incarnation of the great god Visnu, has profoundly affected the literature, art, religions, and cultures of South and Southeast Asia from antiquity to the present. Filled with thrilling battles, flying monkeys, and ten-headed demons, the work, composed almost 3,000 years ago, recounts Prince Rama’s exile and his odyssey to recover his abducted wife, Sita, and establish a utopian kingdom. Now, the definitive English translation of the critical edition of this classic is available in a single volume.Based on the authoritative seven-volume translation edited by Robert Goldman and Sally Sutherland Goldman, this volume presents the unabridged translated text in contemporary English, revised and reformatted into paragraph form. The book includes a new introduction providing important historical and literary contexts, as well as a glossary, pronunciation guide, and index. Ideal for students and general readers, this edition of the Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki introduces an extraordinary work of world literature to a new generation of readers.

Genres: India, Mythology, Hinduism, Literature, Philosophy, Classics

948 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2022

Reviews

[Kincaid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it for class Rama kinda sucks as a person I liked bhavabuti’s extended ending more

[Ashleigh V · Rating 3 out of 5]

read this for my dissertation it was so long i never want to see it again
(it was good but at what cost?)

[Michael Berens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ramayana is one of the world's great epic poems, so it needs no review. Many years ago I read an abridged, prose translation, which was fine if you just want to get an overview of the story and some of its main themes. But if you want to immerse yourself in this massive poem and all the myths, legends and cultural traditions embedded in it, then you want to get this version. The translation is very readable, albeit by the very nature of the epic having been passed down orally for centuries there is a lot repetition of stock phrases and situations. And the accompanying materials are extremely helpful to provide context and insights into the world of the poem and its intended audience. The glossary of Sanskrit terms is indispensable.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only gave this book two stars because I found that I didn’t find it particularly enjoyable to follow, but in regards to its historical influence and importance as an ‘epic’ I think it was very interesting.

[Rob Trump · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved books 2-5 (especially 4-5), not as into the rest, although I’m sure if I reread the Iliad I would find the battles as tedious as I found the ones in book 6. Lots to dig into regardless, from the constant two-brothers motif to the language which is lovely even in translation.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of our set texts on the Hindu Epics module, and a great read!

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF

[Mia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rama is everywhere.