Rather than entering into a discourse on didactic, pedagogical and economic reasons, and before such demands turn into a binding questionnaire for publication announcements – however modest they might be –, let me just make the statement that one can occasionally take decisions based solely on practical considerations for the benefit of the Sanskrit neophyte.

 

First of all, the package of three volumes aims primarily at a German speaking readership (“although for linguistic reasons probably only of interest to a small percentage of list subscribers”). Moreover, as far as Kielhorn is concerned, his work is not a "primer" as incorrectly claimed, but a structured, complete grammar of classical Sanskrit.

In contrast, Bühler is a didactically arranged basic course, “a primer” that draws entirely on Kielhorn's work in terms of subject matter and paradigms. In the present new edition of Bühler, reference is therefore consistently made to the corresponding paragraphs in Kielhorn’s grammar to ensure a constant overview of the grammatical structure of the Sanskrit language.

Finally, the "Third Book of Sanskrit" contains only Sanskrit texts, whereas the glossary by Eugen Hultzsch is again in German.

So much for the explanation of the choice of language for these three books aimed at the German language market.

 

The German version of 1888 (revised by Kielhorn) corresponds to the 3rd edition of the English version (also 1888). This one represents the latest state of the art, so to speak. It is however not the first reprint of Kielhorn’s. Even though electronic files are available today, everyone should be allowed to decide for themselves whether a downloadable PDF version is considered a suitable equivalent.

 

Now a note on the anglophone editions: As already mentioned, Kielhorn is available in English as a revised 3rd edition. The same applies cum grano salis to Bühler in the shape of an English adaptation by Edward Delavan Perry, “A Sanskrit Primer” (several editions between 1885 and 1936).

Finally, there is an English glossary for the "Third Book of Sanskrit" by Viṣṇu Paraśurām Śāstrī Paṇḍit.

 

It is up to others to reprint their works in English if they are deemed suitable.

 

Regards,

WS