Spanning centuries and covering the globe, this is a book unprecedented in its scope, immaculate in its execution and intimate in its detail. An accomplished history of the Buddha, "An End to Suffering" is also a deeply personal story - the story of Pankaj Mishra's search for meaning, for truth and peace in the modern world and, specifically, in post-colonial, independent India. As he describes his travels to unearth the origins of the Buddha, Mishra offers glimpses into his own quest for enlightenment, from childhood to September 11, from family background to friends met and made, from lessons learned to achievements as a writer. Intimate and impressive, considered and compelling, this is a book that is beyond classification.