National Geographic Concise History of World Religions: An Illustrated Time Line

by National Geographic Society, Tim Cooke (Editor)

The Concise History of World Religions continues the Concise History series with an authoritative and comprehensive take on major religions and lesser-known faiths of all times and nations. No other text combines the illustrations expertise of National Geographic with the historical focus on faiths—large and small—across the world. Up-to-date scholarship offers a unique global perspective on the history of faith in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania, and Africa and the Middle East. This is religion presented as history, in the objective manner in which the National Geographic Society excels. Lavish illustrations illuminate the faithful, their houses of worship, and the articles and artifacts of faith. From the great cathedrals to the colorful robes of Buddhist monks to horrors of the Spanish inquisition to the astonishingly intricate paintings of the Hindu gods, the illustrations tell as much of the story as the text.
 
There is nothing else quite like National Geographic's special Concise History series: the time line format combines geography, chronology, and subject area in one complete, but easy-to-understand grid. The 80 timelines with their more than 3,500 entries, plus short articles and feature spreads make it the perfect quick-dip reference; 110 sidebars amplify the illustrated time lines and highlight monuments of faith, words of religious transcendence, and lives of piety and sacrifice; 50 feature essays explore in detail the origins, development and influence of faith; 325 images document all aspects of the religious experience, from architecture and icons to exemplary individuals and acts of devotion; and quotes throughout chapters are drawn from prayers and sermons that embody the religious attitudes of each era.
 
The Concise History of World Religions is a fantastic journey with National Geographic, following the rise and fall of faiths across centuries and around the world. It's a book as beautiful as it is useful, as authoritative as it is entertaining. A book to buy, to give, to treasure.

Genres: History, Religion, Nonfiction, Philosophy

352 pages, Hardcover

First published November 15, 2011

About the author

The National Geographic Society (NGS), headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States, is one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations in the world.
Founded in 1888, its interests include geography, archaeology, and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical conservation, and the study of world culture and history. The National Geographic Society's logo is a yellow portrait frame—rectangular in shape—which appears on the margins surrounding the front covers of its magazines and as its television channel logo. Through National Geographic Partners (a joint venture with The Walt Disney Company), the Society operates the magazine, TV channels, a website, worldwide events, and other media operations.

Reviews

[Thomas DeWolf]

Having been fascinated with religion throughout my life, I'm spending some time with a few books on world religions to gain a better understanding. This book is absolutely filled with descriptions, timelines, photos and illustrations to help readers develop a basic understanding of world religions. What continues to amaze and disappoint me is how, on the one hand, virtually all major religions have some version of the Golden Rule as part of their orthodoxy and yet so much violence, war, discrimination, harsh judgment and brutal deaths have been perpetrated by people of faith. When will we actually become the "better selves" all major religions preach?

[Christopher]

This book had good information about a variety of religions, but the format can be confusing and a bit overwhelming. That being said, it really good photos and essays, and I like how it contained selections from various scriptures at the back. However, I would like to point something out: the book states on page 170 that some Catholic art depicts Mary's ascension into Heaven. This is not true! She was assumed by God! The only One who has ascended by Their own power was Jesus! This doesn't negatively affect the book overall, but I just thought I would mention it.

[Louisa Fox]

I didn't finish this book, but it is great for references and checking the timeline of world religion events. Some of the essays are very interesting and I used the timelines to create a timeline of world religions in my classroom which looks fantastic!

[Renée]

4 stars for the photography alone. This is a particularly fantastic reference for young kids learning about the world. It's pretty neutral, covers a lot from the east to the west... Did I mention the photography?