From School Library Journal
Gr 7 Up-These attractive volumes are readable and well organized. They have comprehensive introductions and conclude with current practices and a look to the future. Zoroastrianism discusses the religion's history, scripture, philosophy, ethics, and rituals. African Religion covers the oral tradition, beliefs about God and the spirit world, rites, sacred places, and mystical forces. Both books have glossaries (but no pronunciation guides), minimal chapter notes, and lists for further reading. Unfortunately, they also have internal inconsistencies and are occasionally confusing. The abbreviations B.C.E. and C.E. are used with no explanation of their meaning. Both titles suffer from inadequate maps. And, while they cover the "big picture" well, there is little sense of how the religions are practiced on a daily basis. However, since little is available for teens on Zoroastrianism and traditional African religions, these may be useful purchases where world religions are of interest.-Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Zoroastrianism has the fewest adherents of the world's great religions, but it is one of the oldest. Founded more than 3,000 years ago by the prophet Zarathushtra, it flourished in ancient Persia during the time of the Persian Empire. Such concepts as the notion of one God, heaven and hell, the dualism of good and evil, a savior to come, and life everlasting can trace their roots to the religion of Zarathushtra. Zorostrianism, Updated Edition traces the history and beliefs of Zoroastrianism and tells the story of its followers' determination to carry the torch of their belief through centuries of persecution and hardship into the present day. It also examines the Iranian and Indian Zoroastrian communities in which the religion has thrived without missionary efforts or vast numbers of believers to promote the faith.

FROM THE CRITICS

School Library Journal