These sketches of Hindu life and religion “are not offered as a contribution to oriental scholarship, or to religious controversy, but as an attempt, to give an intelligible outline of Hindu ideas and religious practices, and especially as a presentation of the imaginative and artistic side of Indian religions, which can be observed at few places so well as in the sacred city and its neighborhood—the birthplace of Buddhism and one of the principal sects of Hinduism.”
“Mr. Havell’s account of Benares is worth more than a passing glance, for he is not to be confounded with the crowd of superficial observers who every winter visit India and find their way to the sacred city.”
+ + Ath. 1906, 2: 575. N. 10. 2070w. Bookm. 23: 571. Jl. ’06. 110w.
“Altogether this scholarly and attractive volume is equally admirable in text, illustrations, and topography.”
+ + Critic. 49: 189. Ag. ’06. 240w.
“One appreciates a calm, dispassionate, well-ordered, and studious unravelling of the labyrinth of Hindu life and religion. Principal E. B. Havell ... has done this in a masterly manner.” H. E. Coblentz.
+ + Dial. 40: 361. Je. 1, ’06. 440w.
“A volume of considerable importance.”
+ N. Y. Times. 11: 307. My. 12, ’06. 340w.