The Book of Good Counsels

More about the book

The 1861 English translation by Sir Edwin Arnold presents the Hitopadeśa, a classic Indian text featuring fables that blend animal and human characters. This collection imparts maxims and worldly wisdom, offering guidance on political matters through accessible language. Although the text is thought to date back to the 12th century, its origins likely trace to Narayana between 800 and 950 CE. The oldest known manuscript, found in Nepal, dates to the 14th century, linking its content and style to the ancient Panchatantra.