Buddhist Philosophy: A Historical Analysis

This book is a very good and intersting book on buddhist thought. For instance, the chapter over Abhidharma is excellent. However, the author tends to give a atheistic interpretation of early buddhism, which is not quite convincing. For instance, the chapter about nirvana repeats tirelessly that the nirvana is a mere nothingness, while quoting texts that prove just the contrary. Nevertheless, even the chapters on early buddhism are quite intersting.

The best single book on Buddhist philosophy I have ever read (and I have read MANY books on this subject). Clearly shows the changes to the Buddha's original teaching wrought by the Mahayana. Anyone trying to understand Buddhism as a whole, and especially the relationship between Mahayana and Theravada must read this book. However, DON'T read Kalupahana's successor volume. It is at times inaccurate and almost unreadable. I don't know why he bothered writing it.