a href="http://www.oupcanada.com/ebrochure/oxtoby/index.html"img src="/images/hed/closer_look_btn.gif"/aThis concise, contributed second edition is a survey of faiths throughout the world, based on the best-selling two-volume World Religions: Eastern and Western Traditions. Recognized scholars trace the origins and evolution of the major traditions, explain their essential teachings, outline theirpractices, and examine their interactions with modern culture and society, while insightful introductory and concluding essays suggest countless avenues for further reflection and study. With extracts from each tradition's most important thinkers, both ancient and modern, as well as timelines, maps,glossaries, guides to key geographic sites, annotated reading lists, rich colour photographs, handy 'Tradition at a Glance' summaries, and a brand new chapter on new religious movements, this concise volume offers a rich introduction to world religions.

Willard G. Oxtoby's profile page

Alan F. Segal's profile page

The late Willard G. Oxtoby, the original editor of this work, was professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, where he launched the graduate program in the study of religion. His books include Experiencing India and The Meaning of Other Faiths.The late Alan F. Segal was a professor of religion and Ingeborg Rennert Professor of Jewish studies at Barnard College, Columbia University. He has written extensively in the fields of comparative religion, Judaism, and early Christianity. His books include Rebecca's Children, Paul the Convert, andLife after Death.

"This is one of the most clearly written of all the World Religions textbooks I have viewed. My students would appreciate the clear writing style." --Curtis D. Smith, Penn State University

"A Concise Introduction to World Religions is a clear and accessible text that will surely hold students' attention. Amongst the numerous introductory texts on world religions, I consider it one of the best." --Tim Labron, Concordia University College

"This is a good, solid edition usable in a wide variety of classroom settings." --William Acres, Huron University College at the University of Western Ontario