Hindu Literature

Epiphanius Wilson has translated several ancient Sanskrit works into English in this volume, including ‘The Book of Good Counsels’, ‘Nala and Damayanti’, the ‘Rámáyana’, and ‘Sakoontalá’. The book "Hindu Literature" is a valuable addition to any library and will pique readers' interests in the Sanskrit epics of ancient India.
Included are tales like ‘The Winning of Friends’, ‘The Tiger and the Traveler’, ‘The Story of the Jackal, Deer, and Crow’, ‘The Story of the Vulture, Cat, and Birds’, ‘The Story of the Dead Game and the Jackal’, ‘The Story of the Prince and the Wife of a Merchant's Son’, ‘Parting of Friends’, etc. The availability and cost of many vintage books like this are rising.

Epiphanius Wilson (circa 1850–1912) was an American editor, scholar, and translator best known for compiling and translating religious and classical texts from around the world. Though details about his early life are scarce, it is evident that he received a classical education and had a deep interest in world literature, languages, and comparative religion. His scholarly pursuits led him to work as an editor for several major publishing projects during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
One of his most well-known works is Hindu Literature, part of a broader series titled The Sacred Books and Early Literature of the East. In this collection, Wilson presented translations of key Hindu scriptures and philosophical writings, including selections from the Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, and Ramayana. His goal was to make the spiritual and literary traditions of India accessible to Western readers.
In his middle years, Wilson edited and translated numerous works covering a wide range of cultures, including Egyptian, Persian, Chinese, and Greek literature. His anthologies, such as The World’s Greatest Orations, introduced timeless speeches and sacred texts to general audiences.
Epiphanius Wilson died in 1912. His legacy lies in broadening Western understanding of Eastern spiritual and literary heritage through accessible and respectful translations.