The Sikh Religion - Its Gurus, Sacred Writings and Authors #219813

<i>The Sikh Religion, Its Gurus, Sacred Writings and Authors: Volume 1 of 6</i> is a seminal work on the Sikh religion. Author Max Arthur Icauliffe was one of the first to bring a detailed account of Sikhism to the Western world in English and did so with great style, giving an account that followers of the religion can be proud of while educating those who do not.<br><br>Assisted by accomplished and respected Sikh scholars, Icauliffe studied and translated the holy writings of the Sikh religion into English. The purpose of this book, volume one in a six volume set, is to introduce Sikhism to Westerners by way of an introduction to the broad beliefs and principles of the religion, as well as an examination of the gurus and sacred writings that are of great importance to Sikhism.<br><br>Icauliffe does not simply present a translation of the sacred texts without comment. Rather, the author's voice is present throughout the book, introducing, describing, and generally leading the reader through a detailed introduction into Sikhism. Icauliffe is authoritative in his descriptions and his words are tremendously beneficial for a reader to whom this is their first introduction to Sikhism.<br><br>The detailed biography of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, is the first chapter presented and is absolutely worthy of being read. It is as detailed an account of the Guru's life as possible, and the logical starting point for any discussion of Sikhism. If one is only going to peruse this book, it is critical to first read the chapter on Guru Nanak.<br><br>As a detailed and thorough an examination of Sikhism, <i>The Sikh Religion, Its Gurus, Sacred Writings and Authors</i> is a massive success, and essential reading for anybody interested in the religion.