Sir Edwin Arnold

author

Sir Edwin Arnold

1832–1904

Best known for The Light of Asia, he helped introduce many English-speaking readers to the story of the Buddha through rich, accessible verse. His life joined poetry, journalism, and years of work in India, giving his writing a wide, worldly reach.

2 Audiobooks

The Light of Asia

The Light of Asia

by Sir Edwin Arnold

Indian Poetry Containing "The Indian Song of Songs," from the Sanskrit of the Gîta Govinda of Jayadeva, Two books from "The Iliad Of India" (Mahábhárata), "Proverbial Wisdom" from the Shlokas of the Hitopadesa, and other Oriental Poems.

Indian Poetry Containing "The Indian Song of Songs," from the Sanskrit of the Gîta Govinda of Jayadeva, Two books from "The Iliad Of India" (Mahábhárata), "Proverbial Wisdom" from the Shlokas of the Hitopadesa, and other Oriental Poems.

by Sir Edwin Arnold

About the author

Born in Gravesend, Kent, on June 10, 1832, Sir Edwin Arnold was an English poet and journalist whose work moved between literature, education, and public life. He studied at King's School, Rochester, King's College London, and University College, Oxford, where he won the Newdigate Prize.

Early in his career, Arnold went to India and served as Principal of Deccan College in Poona. That experience shaped much of his later writing. He became especially well known for The Light of Asia (1879), a long narrative poem on the life and teachings of the Buddha that brought him a wide international readership.

Arnold also built a major career in journalism and wrote on travel, religion, and Asian cultures as well as poetry. He died in London on March 24, 1904, and is still remembered as a Victorian writer who helped spark English-language interest in Asian thought and literature.