'As a broad brushstroke approach to the history of religions this collection of articles covers the ground comprehensively and well ... There is a pleasing and judicious use of inserts and boxes to break up the impact of solid text. The photographic illustrations are a stunning success, with striking images that help to raise the text into life. The chronological time-lines are also a useful feature ... It is pleasing that the entries are by writers of acknowledged quality in their fields.' Alan Race, Church Times
'This volume presents a large amount of information in an engaging way, offering much scholarly insight for the lay reader ... Useful for students, teachers, and general readers as an introduction to religious history, this work is recommended for public and college libraries.' Library Journal
'Some of the best and most reliable scholars have been enlisted to write about the traditions in which they have specialised, and they do so in a very accessible and deceptively simple way ... an attractive book that can be firmly recommended for library use and for personal pleasure.' The Times Higher Education Supplement
' ... a beautifully produced book '. Reviews in Religion and Theology
'... a scholarly work but written accessibly ... will inform the unspecialised reader of much information. it also raises a number of questions about how we write historically about religion in the context of culture, nationalism and politics.' Journal of Beliefs and Values
"...a comprehensive, authoritative survey of world religions...a valuable resource for scholars, students, and the general public." Religious Studies Review
"This volume presents a large amount of information in an engaging way, offering much scholarly insight for the lay reader...Useful for students, teachers and general readers as an introduction to religious history, this work is recommended for public and college libraries." Library Journal
"Richly illustrated with copious, full-color photographs, this most recent volume in the ^Cambridge Illustrated History series certainly has visual appeal. Beyond aesthetics, this reference provides concise, but well-researched and informative narratives on the world's major belief systems. Presented in an accesible and attractive format, it will provide general readers and lower-division undergraduates with an elementary understanding of world religions." Choice