King Asoka and Buddhism

"King Asoka and Buddhism" is an evidence-based examination of who the historical King Asoka really was, what he did, what his values were, and how did his rulership really relate to Buddhism and the Buddhist Sangha. Evidence-based here means an extensive examination of the numerous historical and literary texts about Asoka. The scholars of this books are fluent in multiple ancient languages because the historical texts of King Asoka are in multiple ancient languages. This book is scholarship, and is not an entertaining read. Nevertheless, the book succeeds in explaining who Asoka was; what he did; what his values were, and how his rulership related to Buddhism and the Buddhist Sangha. If you want to really understand Asoka and can be patient with academic language, this is a very good read. Basic Buddhist knowledge is helpful in reading this book. On page 32 of the book is a gem of a footnote: a list of Asoka's favorite Sutta texts which you can look up in the Buddhist Pali Cannon.