Mahabharata, The : Penguin Classics : Ab Paperback – Abridged, 28 May 2009

Complete (with all stories in short form), leaves the poetic excess to save space, sticks to the original and is based on the Critical Edition of Mahabharat by the BORI.I did a lot of research before starting to read the Great Indian Epic and came across many abridged and unabridged texts. In the complete/ full version, I found only Late Bibek Debroy's version to be the most authentic, and in the abridged versions, this one by John D Smith (In comparison to Ramesh Menon and Kamala Subramanian.. these two have added events/dialogues to make it more dramatic based on other sources) is the best. Raja ji's Mahabharata can be a good start if you want a further abridged version.This is a complete, no-nonsense book, and the language is lucid. The important events are covered in detail (exact translation from Sanskrit), while side stories are also in abridged form. So, this one completely stands out as research material for me. Some Sanskrit words are not properly translated, but those can be easily understood in the context in which they come.

One of the best translations available. The product arrived on time and in great condition

The book itself in its content and presentation of the chapters is good. Fitting Mahabharata in 792 pages (story part) is a commendable work. However, I suggest the font size could've been a bit larger, currently it feels like this was printed in a bid to save as much paper as possible ;-)Now, the translation is good, preserving the bardic/poetic essence by using appropriate language and epithets.Some words somewhere, I feel, could've been left in Sanskrit themselves, example being: When Bhishma's name was introduced - they gave a footnote that it translates to "the awesome one" - a much more precise translation would be, "fierce one" or "terrible one".It's in similar faith that a lot of words have been simplified in the translation in their meanings - "seer" for example, is not used in the most precise sense!So, is the epithets used for the characters throughout, which acts as a compromise in presenting the bardic nature but loses meaning for the uniqueness in that character : "bull-like", "best among heroes" - these could've been left in Sanskrit and their meaning in footnotes.Overall, a really nice translation, summarized when needed and translates the more major parts.Nice flow, lovely language, true to source, i hope.4 stars!

Book good but sent in bad condition.

I like this book . Good information about Mahabharatam

Nice book, I had a great read author have presented the book as it is…

The translator of the book has missed out certain important information in the book. For instance during the battle of Bheem and Jarasandh, Krishna had given sign to Bheem to tear Jarasandh in two piece (like how he was born) and throw them in the opposite direction and many more instances about the building of Indraprastha, etc.

It's not just a book, it's an experience you'll take everywhere with your self. Mahabharata contributes in defining my culture so much. It's a good edition.P.S.-Well the the sunken city of dwarka has been rediscovered.so, yeah!