To many people, Buddha is known only from statues depicting him in the lotus position with a serene smile on his face. But what kind of person was he, what was the world in which he lived? What did he do in his 80 years, and why did the seeds he planted grow into one of the greatest religions in human history? Renowned historian of religion Karen Armstrong provides answers to these questions. The author managed to reveal historical, psychological, mythological and biographical details, which together created an irresistible in their attractiveness and convincing portrait of a man whose spiritual search has been an inspiring example for two and a half thousand years after he completed his life path.