This Handbook presents the reader with a comprehensive, clear and stimulating guide to the world's religions, past and present. It is divided into seven sections: The development of religion; The ancient religions : Egypt, Greece, Rome ... The primal religions, illustrated with case studies from many different parts of the world today; Living religions of the East: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Parsis, Sikhs... People of a book: Judaism, Islam; Religion: or the fulfilment of relilgion? : Christianity; Rapid fact-finder. On the major Eastern and world religions, articles give information on the history, scriptures, worship, beliefs and practices of the various faiths. More than 50 specialist authors from many different countries have contributed to the Handbook. The aim has been to describe each faith clearly and objectively, 'as it is'. The evidence is presented: the response -- whether the faiths of mankind are being studied simply from academic interest or as part of a deep, personal search -- is left to the reader. This Handbook, like its best-selling predecessors, is fully illustrated throughout. It contains more than 200 photographs, 100 in full colour. Information is also presented in visual form by maps and charts. The Rapid Fact-finder section and Index make it an ideal reference book. - Jacket flap.