Sir Edwin Arnold

The Light of Asia (1879) by Sir Edwin Arnold

Sir Edwin Arnold (10 June 1832 - 24 March 1904) was an English poet and journalist, who is most known for his work The Light of Asia. The Light of Asia', subtitled 'The Great Renunciation', was first published in London in July 1879. In the form of poem, the book endeavors to describe the life and time of Prince Gautama Buddha, who after attaining enlightenment became the Buddha, the learned one. The book presents his life, character, and philosophy, in a series of verses.