The Ramayana of Valmiki: An Appraisal is an introductory guide to the ancient Indian epic, authored by Swami Harshananda, a senior monk of the Ramakrishna Order. It provides a lucid overview of the Srimad Ramayana, making the complex epic approachable for modern readers. It concisely explores the various character archetypes within the story, offering insight into their motivations and virtues. The appraisal highlights the epic’s enduring relevance, showing how its teachings can be applied to daily life.