Chariot: From Chariot to Tank, the Astounding Rise and Fall of the World's First War Machine by Arthur Cotterell

This comprehensive book on the chariot is comprehensive, engaging, reader-friendly, and well-organized. Casual readers need not worry about the names and events mentioned in the book because the author provides the necessary information. While students will find the notes and references section helpful for further studies.

The book covers three continents and historical events and mythological scenes of the three epics, Iliad, Mahabharata, and Ramayana. It has eight chapters and several illustrations. The author discussed the possible origins of the chariot; its uses; modifications and variations of the chariot in each region; impact of the chariot on warfare; the use of weapons, armor, and;domestication of animals used for pulling, the formation of the armies in consideration of the chariots; the symbolism of the chariot; and finally the gradual decline of its use. 

The following are the chapters included in this volume:

I. Chariot Battle

II. The Rise of the Charioteer

III. West Asia and Egypt

IV. Europe

V. India

VI. China

VII. The End of the War Chariot

VIII. Survivals, Ritual and Racing

For a history and mythology enthusiast like myself, this book is a treasure trove of information. The author provides a brief background before proceeding to discuss the battle scenes. He uses narration and comparison when describing not just the chariots but the leaders/warriors and people involved. 

Consequently he is able to go into further details without making it too boring. The only thing lacking is a basic illustration of a chariot and its parts, but overall the book has accomplished its purpose.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Maha-bharata: The Epic of Ancient India Condensed into English Verse (Translated by Romesh Dutt)

The book is a condensed and translated version of the Hindu epic of a war of the kingdoms in Northern India caught in a scheme of a jealous cousin and five brothers struggling to reclaim their kingdom.

Mr. Dutt provided introductions and summary for each chapter. The summary might spoil the story for the first time readers of the epic but keep in mind that this is a condensed version. Some of the less important scenes were omitted. The contents of these chapters are in English verse form. The translator explained in the epilogue his method in selecting the passages and included here as well as his approach to its translation. This gives the reader an idea how much information was not included in this book. The translator was able to pick out the story of the Pandavas and Kurus buried in all the material added to the original epic. The information provided by Dutt in the epilogue is an excellent guide and introduction to the entire epic itself. There is also a glossary of terms at the end of the book which is very important because the translator retained some names and did not provide notes or translations within the chapters.

I recommend this book for first time readers of the Maha-bharata epic and those who think that all the additions to the original epic make reading it a daunting task. It's a beautiful story about family, friendship, love, and bravery. Although it has plenty of characters the author (or authors) were able to create distinct characters, each with unique traits.

Rating: 9 out of 10