Historia Religionum. Handbook for the history of religions. Volume I: Religions of the past. Volume II: Religions ...

Historia Religionum. Handbook for the history of religions. Volume I: Religions of the past. Volume II: Religions of the present (2 volumes)
Although Historia Religionum is not the first handbook of its kind to be published, it differs from the pre- ceding ones in its completely original and new design. In preparing the book the editors have attempted to present the religions of the world in such a way that the reader can easily find where structural similarities exist, and, in order to achieve this aim, have asked each contributor to follow the same scheme in writing his article. The basic scheme followed by each author is: First, a short description of the essence of the religion; then its historical development; conception of the deity; worship; conception of man; subsequent influence (present religious situation); short history of the study of the religion; and a select bibliography. OR On account of this new arrange- ment of the material the work not only serves as a useful handbook, but may also be regarded as a monumental summary of our knowledge of world religions, stimulating new studies in the field. The handbook covers all religions of any importance in the world. The first volume contains contributions concerning the religions of the past, and this second one those dealing with the religions of the present. Contributors to both volumes are all authorities in their own fields and the result of their combined efforts is certain to become a standard work of reference.

Leiden: E. J. Brill. 1969-1971. 2 vols. (viii, 690 [1]; vi, 715p.),  

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