An Encyclopedia of Religions #227844

It may seem a bold undertaking to seek, as the present writer has done, to present in a volume of moderate size information about most of the ancient and modern religions, ethnic and historical. His excuse must be that certain cravings of his own impelled him many years ago to set out upon a journey along paths which at that time had not been trodden much, and to read more widely than is perhaps usual; that invitations since 1898 to contribute articles to four voluminous encyclopaedias have formed an A B 0 habit which he finds it difficult to throw off; and that a work such as he has attempted here is as a matter of fact really needed. In any case, a work is provided which covers much of the ground claimed by Comparative Religion and is capable of subsequent expansion. If what is offered proves acceptable, new material may be added, particularly as the Science develops.