The First Holy One (1949) is a historical novel set in ancient India during the rise of Buddhism. Maurice Collis, drawing on his deep knowledge of Asian history and religion, imagines the life and spiritual journey of the Buddha within the political and social world of the time. The novel portrays a society shaped by ritual, hierarchy, and emerging philosophical debate, against which the revolutionary message of compassion and renunciation appears both radical and transformative.
Collis combines careful historical atmosphere with reflective prose, exploring themes of spiritual awakening, power, doubt, and moral courage. Rather than presenting a purely devotional portrait, he humanizes his central figure, emphasizing inner conflict and the social tensions surrounding religious change. The result is a thoughtful meditation on faith and reform in a turbulent world.
Additional information
| Weight | 440 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15 × 23 cm |
| Author | Maurice Collis |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Faber and Faber |
| Published On | 1948 |
| Pages | 235 |
| Country | London: United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Dimension | 15cm x 23cm |
| Item Weight | 440gm |
| Edition | First Edition |