Reflections on Resemblance, Ritual, and Religion

Despite the fact this book spends the bulk of its time analyzing ancient Vedic texts this is one of the best books on Hinduism, generally, that I've ever read. Smith does an amazing job of outlining the logic and coherence of Vedic religion - especially as seen in the Brahmanas - a genre of texts that had, in the past, been seen as lacking nearly all such coherence. As such, a fresh light on the whole sweep of Hinduism shines throughout the book. We should all thank Professor Smith for this fantastic book and the meticulous research it embodies. Simply put, this book is a must for any student of Hinduism - period.