From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up?This superb overview of 10 major faiths is divided into three sections: the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), the Vedic faiths (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism), and the other major traditions (Shinto, Taoism, Sikhism, and Baha'i). The history, development, ways of worship, and celebrations are given for each. The material is particularly well arranged in a large, handsome format and lavishly illustrated with useful, full-color photographs, maps, charts, calendars, and drawings, all of which break up the text into readable blocks. Additional information is set apart in colored boxes to catch the eye and vary the presentation of the material. An excellent introduction, a foreword, and an afterword deal with a brief history of religion in general and comment on its probable future. The introduction also includes an outstanding chart that describes the traditions, holy places, and Scriptures of each major faith, all presented side by side for quick comparison. The writing is scholarly, lucid, and nonpartisan. There are a number of good books, many of which discuss a greater number of faiths, in this area, including Anita Ganeri's Religions Explained (Holt, 1997), Myrtle Langley's Religion (Knopf, 1996), Betsy Maestro's The Story of Religion (Clarion, 1996), William McElrath's Ways We Worship (Barron's, 1997), Lisa Sita's Worlds of Belief (Blackbirch, 1995), and Lynn Underwood's Religions of the World (Gareth Stevens, 1992; o.p.). However, none surpass Breuilly's work in thoroughness and clarity.?Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VACopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Religions of the World looks at the key issues of faith as it exists today. It includes features on beliefs, traditions, festivals, and practices of the major faiths, and also looks at and discusses the differences within, as well as between, the faiths.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Jeanne K. Pettenati

This comprehensive overview of world religions presents readers with a wonderful opportunity to learn about the history and current practices of ten different faiths. It also provides a summary of prehistoric and early historic religions and modern indigenous practices. The book is divided into three sections: the Abrahamic faiths, which include Judaism, Christianity and Islam; the Vedic faiths, which include Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism; and other major traditions, which include Shinto, Taoism, Sikhism and Baha'i. Appealing photographs and diagrams are found on each page of this well written book. They depict worshipers, places of worship, festivals, timelines, and customs for each religion. Adolescents who are beginning their religious studies as well as those who are more knowledgeable on the subject will enjoy looking at and learning from this book. It is suitable for high school social studies classes and should promote tolerance of religious diversity.

School Library Journal

Gr 7 UpThis superb overview of 10 major faiths is divided into three sections: the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), the Vedic faiths (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism), and the other major traditions (Shinto, Taoism, Sikhism, and Baha'i). The history, development, ways of worship, and celebrations are given for each. The material is particularly well arranged in a large, handsome format and lavishly illustrated with useful, full-color photographs, maps, charts, calendars, and drawings, all of which break up the text into readable blocks. Additional information is set apart in colored boxes to catch the eye and vary the presentation of the material. An excellent introduction, a foreword, and an afterword deal with a brief history of religion in general and comment on its probable future. The introduction also includes an outstanding chart that describes the traditions, holy places, and Scriptures of each major faith, all presented side by side for quick comparison. The writing is scholarly, lucid, and nonpartisan. There are a number of good books, many of which discuss a greater number of faiths, in this area, including Anita Ganeri's Religions Explained (Holt, 1997), Myrtle Langley's Religion (Knopf, 1996), Betsy Maestro's The Story of Religion (Clarion, 1996), William McElrath's Ways We Worship (Barron's, 1997), Lisa Sita's Worlds of Belief (Blackbirch, 1995), and Lynn Underwood's Religions of the World (Gareth Stevens, 1992; o.p.). However, none surpass Breuilly's work in thoroughness and clarity.Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA

Booknews