Ven Kumâra:

>Dear friends,
>
>I'm considering adding a book on the general history of Buddhism in our
>library, particularly on the aspect scriptures and translations. It should
>cover all major schools/sects/denominations. Perhaps one that speaks of
>the councils.
>
>Any suggestions?

For the history of all Buddhist schools *everywhere* I would second Bruce's
recommendations, and add one more: "A Concise History of Buddhism" by
Andrew Skilton (Windhorse Pubs. 1994).

But just for Buddhism in India, I suggest "A History of Indian Buddhism" by
Hirakawa Akira (trans. by Paul Groner, 1990, University of Hawaii Press).

If your temple is very well-endowed you might also splash out on Sara
Boin-Webb's English translation of Étienne Lamotte's enormous "Histoire du
Bouddhisme Indien" (Louvain 1958). As far as I know, this has to be ordered
from the Belgian publisher: http://www.peeters-leuven.be

Best wishes,

Robert