By Bob Tedder • Metro Books, a New York publishing firm under the rubric of Visual Reference Guides, produces a series of informative books whose titles cover a wide range of subject matter. Each book explores one topic in succinct but comprehensive detail using a format tailor-made for the subject. The particular volume under consideration this week, Philip Wilkinson’s “Religions,” is, as its title implies, a review of the world’s major religion systems. The manner in which Wilkinson presents his material makes what is in essence a reference book a likely candidate for a cover-to-cover reading. However, as organized the book is also an ideal vehicle for isolating and studying a particular religion.
After a brief introductory chapter on “What is Religion” Wilkinson creates major groupings such as “Primal Religions,” “Monotheistic Religions,” “Indian Religions” and “Eastern Religions.” Under these major headings individual religions are, in an average of about 20 pages, discussed in terms of origins, history, core beliefs, ceremonies, festivals, sects and sacred texts. Wilkinson concludes with an alphabetical section devoted to who’s who in religion.
The book’s organization is one of two attributes which make it worthy of attention. The other is its illustrations. Although the book itself is small – only slightly larger than an index card – it is packed with National Geographic-worthy color photographs. This in itself is reason enough to explore the book (even when considering captions are often superimposed on the glossy photos and at times are difficult to read).
The choice of photographs used is also of note. Although the usual religious iconic images are included – churches, mosques, statues of Buddha, etc. – it is in illustrating religious festivals where the book sets a standard. This is especially true in some of the Indian religions where there is a joie de vivre and an explosion of color truly marvelous to see.
Do I recommend this book for a must read? Not particularly, for as was previously mentioned it is a reference book. You should nevertheless at least examine the outstanding photographs. However, when you are marveling at the picture of pilgrims in Mecca you might as well turn the page and finally learn the differences between Sunni and Si’i.
Editor’s note: Remember, this book, and all the books Bob reviews, are available at the Paw for your browsing pleasure.