This volume invites readers to explore the gods, faiths, beliefs, rituals, and celebrations of the worlds religions, from the dawn of civilization to the present day. Valuable insights and privileged glimpses into all the major religions are offered, with historical background and cultural context provided. Each religions key beliefs and principles, sacred texts, festivals, and holidays are described and explained in vibrant detail. Lavishly illustrated, with full-color images in dynamic spreads, this book is chock full of maps, primary source images, documents and texts, and artifacts.