The Buddha is a giant of humanity. He gives his name to one of the five great religions of the world, rich in philosophical, psychological and spiritual insights, with over 350 million practitioners in every country on the planet and a history stretching back 2,500 years.

In this concise, accessible and engaging book Tony Morris takes us to the heart of the Buddha's story. How much do we really know about this extraordinary man who was born into luxury but gave it all up in pursuit of truth? What did he teach? Why was he visionary? And why is Buddhism so urgently needed today? Tony Morris is Chair of the Bleddfa Centre for the Creative Spirit, a Trustee of the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies, and the founder of Mud Pie Books.

'I believe that every human being has an innate desire for happiness. I also believe that the very purpose of life is to experience this happiness.' The Dalai Lama