A Dictionary of All Religions and Religious Denominations: Jewish, Heathen, Mahometan, Christian, Ancient and Modern (Early Judaism and Its Literature / Society of Biblical Liter) [Paperback]

Hannah Adams (Author), Thomas A. Tweed (Introduction)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1555407285 | ISBN-13: 978-1555407285 | Publication Date: January 2, 1992

This is a facsimile of the 1817 fourth edition of Hannah Adams's pioneering harbinger of the scholarly study of religion. The book surveys the diversity of religion, mostly of historical and contemporary Christian sects and movements but with significant inclusions of Jewish, Muslim, and "heathen" religious groups. Adams's particular contribution was the self-conscious effort to treat all religious groups on the same level and to avoid explicit or implicit judgments. She preferred to use self-descriptions where she had them. It is this non-normative approach that gives the book its historical value. Thomas Tweed's introduction discusses Adams's life and sets her and her book usefully in their context. He includes a helpful guide to the key entries.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A curiosity in almost all respects, this dictionary is a welcome publication.... No one would use this to learn about religions; many should use it to learn about this pioneer religion scholar. Our favorite way of reading it: just open it anywhere, and start reading."--The Christian Century

Product Details

• Paperback: 424 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (January 2, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555407285
• ISBN-13: 978-1555407285
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,065,833 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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