Physical Size of Samyutta Nikaya

[Majjhima Patipada]

I'm about to invest in a printed copy of the Samyutta Nikaya, Bhikkhu Bodhi's translation, as it is one Nikaya for which I can't seem to locate all suttas online. The length on Amazon is listed at 2080 pages. How much does this amount to in thickness? Either inches or centimeters will suffice.

Thanks.

[daverupa]

There are two ways to get it, in one volume or two. I have the one-volume version, and it's about 3 in./8 cm. thick (I'm working from memory). The binding is decent, but with moderate use the glue can fail in places along the spine and compromise the integrity of the thing, so two volumes may be better although I can't recall where the volume split occurs in terms of content.

[Majjhima Patipada]

Thank you. The choice of one-volume vs. two-volumes was exactly why I asked after reading some reviews about the binding. Thanks again.

[BKh]

Recently they seem to have changed the binding on the Middle Length and Connected Discourses. Previously they were the "perfect" binding which was far from perfect. Now they seem to use a new method that combines signatures (sections of pages folded together) and glue. It should be much more durrable than the previous bindings. They have also switched the paper to a slightly thicker stock.

(If you were getting the edition co-published by PTS, I think they are still the old binding.)

The copy of the SN I have is the single volume perfect binding with the thin paper. It is 2.75 inches. I don't think the thicker stock would put it over three inches if that.

Personally I much prefer the single volume as I'm not constantly having to figure out which book to look in. If you wanted the two volume set I think you would have to buy it used. And although each book would be smaller, it would be the "perfect" binding still prone to cracking. (Sorry for the scare quotes, but since it is in every way not a perfect binding, I can't help myself)

The new AN will be coming out as a single volume, btw. It will probably be about the same size as the SN.

[retrofuturist]

Greetings,

Yes, it's pretty big isn't it. By all account the Anguttara Nikaya will be even larger.

As an aside, I put all the Theravada Dhamma books I've read into a box yesterday and move it from one room to another.

Now I have a sore back!



Putting heavy, dense books into the biggest box I could find probably wasn't the smartest move.

Metta,
Retro.

[bodom]

Greetings,

Yes, it's pretty big isn't it. By all account the Anguttara Nikaya will be even larger.

Hey Retro

I initially thought the same but after checking Wisdom Pubs website it says Bodhi's new Anguttara translation is 1936 pages compared to his Samyutta translation which in the single volume is 2080 pages.

[retrofuturist]

Greetings Bodom,

Interesting!

Well, I suppose that's a good thing as far as my back in concerned.

Metta,
Retro.

[danieLion]

Get a workout while you read. At least half of my upper body strength exercise comes from manipulating this book!

[Majjhima Patipada]

Thanks everyone.