I've read the Gita over 30 times in about 10 translations at this point. And while there are translations I may enjoy a bit more for poetic flare, this one is solid and highly-approachable. It's the kind of translation that aims for clear meaning, but will leave certain Sanskrit terms in place when that seems best (then elucidate on them). It's a risky dance that not a lot of translators pull off well. Sutton does.
But what really makes this version stand out is his commentary.
Pros:
* It's non-sectarian, while at the same time he honors both the traditional non-dualist and dualist interpretations of important verses, telling us when they differ and why. He's not a swami, he's a scholar. A scholar that clearly loves his subject and knows his stuff. He will let you know where a verse is particularly difficult to translate, or an interpretation is up for debate. He'll succinctly describe both sides of that debate, and even which he finds most convincing. This is something that a swami's translation--however great it may be--will never do.
* The translation is clear. Not inspiring, like Eswaran's. But, in some ways it's more insightful than any other I've read. Precisely because his commentary highlights where certain terms are ambiguous or are open to interpretation.
* He doesn't rigidly follow the typical verse-by-verse commentary structure. Rather, he inserts commentary where it makes the most sense. This is very helpful because it's easier to recognize and understand when a series of verses are discussing the same theme. He also bookends each chapter with a summary, which is helpful too.
* As others have noted, the physical quality of the book itself is suburb.
Cons:
* Sutton includes all of the honorifics or titles used for Krishna and Arjuna. There are over 20 names used for Arjuna alone, and even more for Krishna. At first that felt like a little much, which is probably why most translations limit it to a few, like, "Son of Kunti" or "Madhava." To be fair, the text has them so he's just being accurate. And he includes a list of the name meanings in the back, which is another useful bit. Come to think of it, knowing the honorifics used between Arjuna and Krishna adds an extra layer of depth to the reading. So ... maybe this is not a con after all, but another for the pro list!
Final analysis: Great version of the Gita. If you're new to this wonderful scripture, I'd recommend starting with this and Easwaran translation. And then head to Mukundananda's translaiton with verse-by-commentary.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Great on Kindle
Great Experience. Great Value.
Putting our best book forward
Each Great on Kindle book offers a great reading experience, at a better value than print to keep your wallet happy.
Explore your book, then jump right back to where you left off with Page Flip.
View high quality images that let you zoom in to take a closer look.
Enjoy features only possible in digital – start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more.
Discover additional details about the events, people, and places in your book, with Wikipedia integration.
Get the free Kindle app: 
Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together
$26.81
Get it as soon as Friday, May 3
Only 17 left in stock (more on the way).
+
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
