Hammond Atlas of World Religions Book

The Hammond Atlas of World Religions presents a comprehensive, visually engaging and chronologically accurate assessment of religion throughout recorded human history. Because the subject is vast and complex, the book is structured in two parts. The first moves chronologically from 4,000 BC to present day, giving an overview of geo-religious change through time. The second part details each of the major religions from their inception through their worship today.

Marianne Orme - Library Journal

This oversized, glossy atlas packs an impressive combination of over 200 maps and 400 color graphics with a strong effort toward worldwide coverage. Examples of notable items include reproductions of historical maps like a 1562 map of the Americas and photos supporting discussion on religion in Pacific Island nations. As the book aims to offer a chronological as well as a visual history, scholarly text typically running four to nine paragraphs accompanies each map. For example, the book's first section, "Religions of the Ancient World," compares a Jewish psalm and an Ugaritic hymn. The following four sections include "Foundations of Organized Religion," "Rise of the Major Religions," "Colonial Era to the 20th Century," and "Religions of the World Today." This plan encourages consideration of concurrent developments, and a 20-page time line is even inserted between Sections 3 and 4. Yet the plan also divides discussion across chapters regarding a specific place or religion.