Wat Si Chum is unique among Sukhothai temples. Inside, lining the ceiling of a dark and narrow staircase leading to the open roof, are 86 inscribed stone reliefs depicting jatakas, the former lives of Gotama Buddha. Their unique character and arrangement have puzzled generations of scholars.

In this original volume, a team of experts presents the latest evidence and new solutions. The book offers the first-ever English translation of the inscriptions, photographs of the reliefs supplemented by 19th century jataka paintings from Wat Khrua Wan, Bangkok, essays on all aspects of the temple, as well as a discussion of the significance of jatakas in international Buddhist literature, art and ideology.