"These two books, bound in one volume, are especialy written for those altogether new to the study of Zen. The first book starts the beginner, the second gives him the next steps. These books are written by the greatest Zen master of our time. In his long life of 95 years (1870-1966) Dr. Suzuki was universally considered the greatest authority in the world on Zen Buddhism and Buddhist philosophy. He was also the pioneer teacher of the subject outside of Japan. Dr. Suzuki first came to America in 1897 and lived here until 1909, writing and translating. During the next forty years in Japan he wrote almost as often in English as in Japanese. He came back to America in 1949 and spent much of his time here until he finally returned to Japan at the age of 94"--Publisher's description, p. [2] of dust jacket.