A History of Indian Literature v2.c15.2

v2.c15.2

Since the publication of the first half of this volume, seven years have elapsed. During this period much work has been done in the field of Buddhist literature. I have utilised everything of importance, in as far as I was informed of it,¹ in the "Corrections and Additions," as also the valuable reviews which individual scholars—J. *Charpentier* (WZKM 27, 1913, pp. 85-96), H. *Haas* (Zeitschrift für Missionskunde und Religionswissenschaft 28, 1913, pp. 111-123), P. E. *Pavolini* (GSAI 25, 1912, pp. 323-325), T. W. *Rhys Davids* (JRAS, 1913, 479-483) and H. *Kern* (Ostasiatische Zeitschrift II, 1913-14, pp. 471-481)—devoted to my book. I had to deal somewhat more exhaustively (p. 357 ff.) with the latest studies of R. O. *Franke* and with the criticism which the same scholar has devoted to my book, as these concern the most essential part of my work. The fact that, in his views regarding the person of the Buddha and the historical significance of the Buddhist writings, *Franke* occupies a rather isolated position among the competent scholars, would certainly not be a reason against his being right after all. However, I hope I have shown that neither the extreme scepticism of *Franke* nor his attitude towards the Nikāyas, which diverges so very widely from the current conception, are so convincing as to induce me to make any essential alteration in what I have said about the Pāli canon...