The First Buddhist Councils

I've put this under the category of history since it deals with the historical development of what we call Buddhism today.  It gives details of the meeting right after the Buddha's death (parinibanna) and goes on to talk of the councils which occurred appoximately 100 and 500 years later.  The Buddha's two chief followers, Mogallana and Sariputra  preceded the Buddha in death so they are not mentioned.  Ananda had not yet become an arahant and that was somewhat problematic. He also faced a trial of his peers.   This is a wonderful talk, giving details which are usually buried in lengthy texts.