One of the greatest Indian \nepics of all times, the Ramayana, or 'The Journey of Rama', is ostensibly the \nstory of Rama of Ayodhya - the prince who spent fourteen years in exile to \nhonour his father's wish the many battles he valiantly fought to overcome Evil \nin various shapes and forms and last but not the least, the heroic choices he \nmade in order to always remain on the path of righteousness. 'Adi-Kavi' \nValmiki presents a Rama who is more human than god-like, driven by loss and \nsorrow as he loses his beloved Sita first to the evil designs of Ravana, whom \nRama later defeats in a terrible battle and then to Mother Earth, who opens \nup to enfold Sita forever after the Agnipariksha she is made to go through to \nprove her chastity. While Rama embodies all that is good and honourable, a \nvast array of characters ranging from celestial beings to demons to wondrous \ntalking animals populate the epic, each with its own raison d'etre, adding \ncomplexity to an apparently simple tale of Good vanquishing Evil. Valmiki \nRamayana, multilayered and often symbolic, encompasses the most important \naspects of ancient Indian culture a value system based on honour and duty, \nthe burdens of kingship, social and filial ideals and has at its heart the \nconcept of Dharma. With its ample use of quotations, explanations of style, \ntechnique and imagery, this translation by Rajendra Tandon succeeds in \nbringing out the beauty and majestic sweep of the Ramayana. Poetry, prose and \nillustrations combine to make this volume a book lover's delight. Key \nFeatures Ageless tale translated lucidly without sacrificing richness Ancient \nillustrations taken from museums in India and abroad Explanations of \nValmiki’s style, technique and imagery provided Comprehensive glossary \nexplaining numerous sub-plots and inter-connections