Alan W. Watts (1915-1973) was instrumental in introducing Eastern thought to Western civilization. He held both a master's degree in theology and a doctorate of divinity, and is best known as an interpreter of Indian and Chinese philosophy in general, and Zen Buddhism in particular. He earned his reputation of being one of the most original philosophers of the century. He was the author of hundreds of articles on philosophy and religion, and thirty-three books which have been translated into eleven languages.