An Abridged EditionThe Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic masterpiece that weaves together the vivid tapestry of war, human struggle and divine discourse. Two families, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, are entangled in a devastating conflict over inheritance and honour on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, pocket-sized classics bound in real cloth with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers.

These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. Written in Sanskrit and composed in verse, the book was added to over many years and in its definitive final form, it encompasses a vast range of stories, legends and characters. Romesh C Dutt set out to create an English language edition, which would be entertaining and accessible to contemporary readers.

He drew out the stories of the main incidents and characters, such as the Bhagavad Gita and Lord Krishna, and linked them with short, explanatory notes. This edition of his masterful translation, originally published in 1898, also has an introduction by writer and translator Arshia Sattar.