Jnanasrimitra, an important Indian philosopher of the 11th century, explored the nature of words and thought. Although his ideas were passionately debated among successive Hindu and Jain philosophers, his philosophical achievements have remained largely unknown to contemporary Western philosophers -- until now.

In "Buddhist Philosophy of Language in India: Jnanasrimitra on Exclusion," Lawrence McCrea '89, assistant professor of Sanskrit studies in Cornell's Department of Asian Studies, and co-author Parimal G. Patil make the intellectual tradition of pre-modern Sanskrit India accessible to non-experts. The book offers an exposition and the first English translation of Jnanastrimitra's Sanskrit monograph on language, perception and conceptual awareness.

McCrea will discuss his work and answer questions at a book signing Wednesday, Nov. 3, at 4:30 p.m. at the Cornell Store. Copies of the book will be discounted 20 percent at the event.

McCrea received his Ph.D. in South Asian Languages and Civilizations in 1998 from the University of Chicago. His first book, "The Teleology of Poetics in Medieval Kashmir," dealt with the conceptual revolution in Sanskrit poetic theory brought about by the work of ninth century Kashmiri philosopher Anandavardhana.

McCrea is a Faculty Fellow in residence at the Society for the Humanities.

Linda Glaser is a staff writer for the College of Arts and Sciences.