The Handbook deals with the whole of the literature in Pali, the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism, which is still alive in Ceylon and South-East Asia. In addition to reviewing the canonical texts (Tipitaka) which forms the oldest body of extant Buddhist literature, and their commentaries, the Handbook presents the later Pali literature, written after the 12th century, much of which is only available in Oriental prints. The account not only summarizes the ...
