The Illustrated World's Religions: A Guide to Our Wisdom Traditions Paperback – Illustrated, August 18, 1995

Huston Smith is the best at illuminating the most important features of each of the major religions. And as he says, sometimes the illustrations are as important as the words.

Much more accessible for those who want a real but manageable look at world religions. The photos help, maintain interest and indeed a picture is worth a thousand words, and keep you reading besides. We teach introductory religion from Karen Armstrong, but still the best Huston Smith and the Illistrated World's Religions.

I've only begun the book. One thing I'll note right off: There is a saying (paraphrased) "don't use a $1 word when a 10 cent word works as well." I cannot judge the book, except by it's cover.AND THIS IS A LARGE PAPERBACK, NOT A HARDCOVER BOOK. SO THERE, I'VE JUDGED THE COVER (OF THE BOOK).

Paper could be a bit thicker

In his intro he writes that the book "respects" religion. He does a great job of explaining the beauty of the different religions and the underlying rationale for them and what we might take away from each (even if you don't care to practice that religion per se -- he gets to each's "wisdom").He steers away from the ways in which actual implementation of the religions cause problems. For instance, he covers why a caste system could theoretically make sense, if implemented the way the religion had intended it to be -- but points out only briefly that it is not.In all this is an excellent overview of the major religions, put in a way that an adherent to any religion would likely like seeing their religion explained to others.He does seem to have a view that there are a few common themes among the religions (e.g., achieving happiness by losing the separate self in compassionate service to others).

I am currently using this book for my Religions class. It came in good condition and way better than I thought it would be due to its use. I would recommend it if you are looking for a used book for an excellent price.

What a wonderful book! I have studied other religions before, but Huston Smith has a style of writing that touches you to the core. I have learned so much more from this book and, yes, it is amazing how much different religions have in common. I would recommend this book to all who seek to find a bond in humanity that is so woefully lacking these days in our modern world. It is as if Mr. Smith is sitting on the armrest of my chair explaining all.

I found this book very useful and informative. It gets right to the point of what's important for the newcomer to know when just learning about the different religions. This is the book our instructor requires for our college class on world religions, so that alone says that it must be an important book. While it doesn't cover ALL religions, it does a great job of covering the most major ones.