Anthologie Sanskrite (Textes de L'Inde Ancienne) Traduits du Sanskrit
Summary
This review assesses Louis Renou’s ‘Anthologie Sanskrite’, a French translation of selected Sanskrit works. The anthology spans twenty chapters covering a wide spectrum of Sanskrit literature: Vedas, Epics, Purāṇas, Tantras, Dharmaśāstra, philosophy, yoga, grammar, lexicography, metre, poetics, politics, economics, erotics, astronomy, mathematics, astrology, alchemy, history, epigraphy and medicine. Renou provides concise introductory and explanatory notes to contextualise each selection. The reviewer praises the breadth of the selection and the clarity of the translations, noting that the volume offers francophone readers a panoramic view of India’s intellectual heritage. Minor criticisms involve occasional interpretative choices, but these do not detract from the anthology’s value. The book is recommended to students of Indology and general readers interested in Sanskrit literature.
AI-assisted summary, not yet checked. Consult the original PDF before citing.
Conclusion
Renou’s anthology serves as an accessible gateway to Sanskrit literature for French readers. By presenting translations across diverse genres with helpful commentary, it highlights the richness of Indian thought and provides a valuable resource for comparative studies.