This is not a book you read; It is a book you experience!

Despite the widespread popularity of Buddhist practices (like meditation), there is little understanding of the complex philosophy behind Buddhism. Gautama Buddha was a real person, a radical, who challenged the religious leaders of his day. This book introduces the reader to the historical Buddha, to the ideas that made him change his life, and to the fascinating philosophical debates that formed the core of Buddhism.

The Illustrated Buddha for Beginners makes you stop and close your eyes. Through some magical combination of words, drawings and intuitive wisdom, it conveys not only the facts of Buddhism, but the peace, the silence and the feel of it. It is historically accurate, spiritually challenging and even the white spaces mean just as much as the words.

Stephen T. Asma is a professor of philosophy at Columbia College, Chicago, Illinois. He is the author of several books, including The Gods Drink Whiskey and Stuffed Animals and Pickled Heads. He lives in Chicago, Illinois.