Geography of Religion: Where God Lives, Where Pilgrims Walk

by Susan Tyler Hitchcock, Desmond Tutu, John L. Esposito

Book Overview

From its introduction by Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu to the epilogue by the Dalai Lama, Geography of Religion encourages new understanding of the world's great religions and of their evolution from ancient roots to vital roles in modern life. With a text as fascinating as it is authoritative; vivid photographs that evoke the reverence, rituals, and rewards of each spiritual tradition; and a rich variety of essays, sidebars, and maps, this magnificent...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0792273133
• ISBN13: 9780792273134
• Release Date: December 2004
• Publisher: National Geographic Society
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 4.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 9.5" x 11.2"

Customer Reviews

A Must Read

This book is a must read for anyone who hasn't had a formal introduction to the world's five largest religions. The book is loaded with concise and relevant information and beautiful photography. A basic understanding of these religions goes along way.

Beautiful

This book has absolutely beautiful pictures. We gave it as a gift to someone that is very knowledgable about different world religions and he enjoyed it. I was proud to have found such a nice, complete book, and I will be buying one for my own family.

A model for visual history of the faithful

This is a collection of visuals on a) the religions - east and west - and b) about religious experiences - past and present. Herein, the two academic experts as editors, i.e., Hitchcock & Esposito, have added-value to the visual history with a foreword by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter the Rev. Mpho Tutu and an epilogue by H.H. The Dalai Lama. In the 416 pages, Geography of Religion is focused on five religions, viz., Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. "For each of 5 major religions, explore the landscapes, areas, and cultures where these faiths took hold and flourished. See them spread around the world, survive conflict, and translate into other enduring faiths based on their geographic location and cultures. Learn what it means to be a Hindu and bathe in the sacred Ganges; for a Buddhist to revere a statue of the Enlightened One; for a Muslim to trek to Mecca; for Christian martyrs to welcome death. Beautiful maps, photographs, and art illuminate the history of each religion." This book is, then, useful resource for public libraries, as well specialized libraries, in the areas of art, architecture, etc. More specifically, high school students will find interesting content in this visual geography and its related discussions.

A gorgeous blend of history, culture, and religious insight

National Geographic's lovely Geography Of Religion: Where God Lives, Where Pilgrims Walk opens with a bang - an introduction by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter the Rev. Mpho Tutu - and continues to present astounding detail and revelations all the way to the Epilogue by His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself. Here are 200 illustrating ranging from photos and examples of sacred art from around the world to maps, discussions of great leaders and faiths of the five great religions, and a timeline of events following their spread around the world. A gorgeous blend of history, culture, and religious insight.