· Buitenen, B.A., Mahabharata, University of Chicago Press , Chicago, 1973-.
This work is a translation of the classic Indian epic with an introduction and editing done by the translator.
· Chaitanya, Krishna, The Mahabharata: A Literary Study, Clarion, New Delhi, 1985.
An analysis and summary of the great Indian epic The Mahabharata. The author contexts his discussion and analysis of the work with a critical evaluation of the poet. He bases his narrative analysis on the premise that plot or story is the prime metaphor of the poet.
· Giltomer, David, "King Duryodhana: The Mahabharata Discourse of Sinning and Virtue in Epic and Drama," in Journal of the American Oriental Society, 112:222-232 Ap-Je, 1992.
This essay examines the character of Duryodhana as the "anti-hero" in the Mahabharata. He looks at the variety of representations of this figure in the text and in theater. The author shows that this image is rooted in the older "this-worldly" dharmic values which are hostile to Bhakti.
· Katz, Ruth Cecily, Arjuna in the Mahabharata, University of South Carolina Press, SC, 1989.
This text provides a historical context to the epic, illuminating its multi-layered nature. In addition, Katz discusses many of the modern theories on the text and its interpretations. The focal point of the text seems to center around Arjuna as a prototypical Hindu role model.
· Laine, James L. Visions of God: Narratives of the Theophany in the Mahabharata, Publications of the DeNobili research Library, Vienna, 1989.
This text, over half of which is translations of the text juxtaposes the authors work with the work of Biardeau, Dumezil, and Hiltelbietal. The author condemns the approach of the first two authors while applauding the work of the latter. His analysis of the text is based upon the three different theophanies which he sees.
· Sargeant, Winthrop, The Bhagavad-Gita, SUNY, Albany, 1984.
This text is invaluable to the newcomer to the field who is looking to learn Sanskrit while simultaneously engaging one of the most important Hindu scriptures. The author breaks down the text verse by verse. He provides English translations as well as romanized Sanskrit. He also provides numerous definitions for all of the words.
· Sharma, Arvid, Essays on the Mahabharata, EJ Brill, New York, 1991.
This is a very significant collection of essays by various scholars. The text, comprised of more than twenty essays, is an essential part of any critical analysis of this epic. There are contributions from notable scholars such as Klostermaier and Hiltebietel.
· -----The Hindu Gita: Ancient and Classical Interpretations of the Gita, Open Court, La Salle, 1986.
This text is an invaluable study of the major historical commentators on the Gita. It looks at interpretations from people such as Sankara, Ramanuja, and Bhaskara.
· Sullivan, Bruce M. "The Religious Authority of the Mahabharata: Vyasa and Brahma in the Hindu Scriptural Tradition," in Journal of the American Academy of Religion, 62:377-401, Sum. 1994.
This work is an interesting look at Vyasa, the author who is credited by many (although not by many western scholars) as having arranged the Vedas and writing the Epics. Sullivan examines the connections that he sees between Brahma and Vyasa. A very engaging and interesting piece.