Library Research Guide: Comparative Religion

Reference
Comparative Religion
A Pollak Library Research Guide
California State University, Fullerton

Reference

Atlases & Maps • Bible • Bibliographies • Biographies • Book Reviews
Dictionaries • Encyclopedias/Handbooks • Hagiography (Lives of the Saints)
Types of Reference Materials
See also: Hope University Library Resources

Atlases & Maps ▲
		Atlas of the World's Religions REF ATLASES G1046.E4 A85 1999 World maps and historical geography.
		Atlas of American Religion: the denominational era, 1776-1990 Reference BR515 .N49 2000
		Cultural Atlas of Islam Reference DS36.85 .A39 1986 Compendium. Emphasis on essence and manifestation. Coverage of the arts excellent. Weak in Persian areas. 1
		Historical Atlas of the Religions of the World Reference BL80.2 .F28 1974 6th FL SOUTH BL80.2 .F28 Compendium of world religions. Articles may be dated, but the maps are excellent. 1
		The Macmillan Bible Atlas Reference G2230 .A2 1968
		New Historical Atlas of Religion in America Reference 1201 .E4 N4 2001
		The Routledge Historical Atlas of Religion in America Reference G1201 .E4 C3 2000

The Bible ▲
		The Anchor Bible Dictionary Reference BS440 .A54 1992 Mega-encyclopedia. Emphasis on historical and archeological topics. Includes monographs and bibliographies. For specialists. 1
		A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture Reference BS491 .O7
		The Dictionary of Bible and Religion Reference BR95 .D46 1986 Dictionary of the Bible, church history, and world religions. Also, who's who. Omits some countries.1
		A Dictionary of Biblical Tradition in English Literature Reference PR149.B5 D53 1992 Lexicon. Citations and explanations from Greek and Latin commentaries through English- speaking literature.1
		A Dictionary of the Bible Oxford Reference Online
		Handbook of Biblical Criticism Reference BS511.2 .S68 1981 Glossary of methodology. For seminary students. Technical terms plus a who's who. Weak on theology.1
		Harper's Bible Dictionary Reference BS440 .H237 1985 For non-specialists. Non-theological approach. 1
		The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Reference BS440 .I6 1979 Reallexikon. Evangelical. Hebrew and Greek vocabulary stressed. Conservative viewpoint. 1
		The Illustrated Bible Dictionary Reference BS440 .I44 1980 Conservative, evangelical approach. Emphasizes historicity; minimal hermeneutics. Omits Apocrypha, current topics. 1
		The Jerome Biblical Commentary Reference BS491.2 .B7
		The Oxford Companion to the Bible Reference BS440 .M434 1993 Bible dictionary and handbook of interpretation. For non-specialists. 1
		The Oxford Guide to People and Places of the Bible Oxford Reference Online
		Who's Who in the Bible Reference BS570 .W56 1980 Recounting of Bible stories. Includes Apocrypha, New Testament, Old Testament. 1

Bibliographies ▲
		Religious Periodicals Directory Reference BL 48z C75 1986
		Theological and Religious Reference Materials Reference BS 511 .2z G66 1984 [1] General resources and biblical studies -- [2] Systematic theology and church history

Biographies ▲
		Religious Leaders of America Reference BL72 .R44

		Dictionary of American Religious Biography Reference BL72 .B68 Who's who for religiously significant Americans who died before 7/1/1992.
		Dictionary of Religion and Philosophy Reference BL31 .M23 1989 Who's who of theologians, founders, scholars, philosophers and glossary. Strong in philosophy of religion, patristics, Bible, and church history. Non-Christian religions weakly covered.1
		Encyclopedia of the Early Church Reference BR66.5 .D5813 1992 Every aspect of Christianity to the year 750 C.E. Emphasis on regions, cities, institutions, languages, liturgies, arts, doctrines, heretics, and leaders of the church. Reallexikon, who's who, and lexicon. 1
		Goddesses in World Mythology eBook Who's who of goddesses and their attributes. Includes those demonized or trivialized. Indexed by region and attribute.1
		Guide to the Gods Reference BL473 .L43 1992 Immense Who's who. Intricate classification. Also available as a eBook.1
		Medieval Philosophers Reference PN451 .D53 vol. 115 Who's who of philosophers from 400 to 1490. Emphasis on careers and thought.
		The Oxford Dictionary of Popes Reference BX955.2 .K45 1986 In chronological order.

Book Reviews ▲
		Index to Book Reviews in Religion Reference BL1 .I55 IN REFERENCE 1986-1994.
		Index to Religious Periodical Literature Reference BL1 .I51 IN REFERENCE 1949-1977. An author and subject index to periodical literature, including an author index to book reviews.
		Religion Indexes [computer file] : RIO/RIT/IBRR 1975- on CD-ROM LAM BL1 .R4 COVERAGE FROM 1975-1997. ATLA's Religion index one on cd-rom. Religion index one: periodicals (1975-) -- Religion index two: multi-auti-author works (1975-) -- Index to book reviews in religion (1975-). Backfiles through 1974 issued under the separate journal titles

Dictionaries ▲
		Abingdon Dictionary of Living Religions Reference BL31 .A24 Lexicon of all living religions, including a who's who of founders, leaders, rulers and scholars; a glossary of doctrines, practices and events, and a reallexikon of scriptures, movements and art forms. Detailed, but may be out of date.1
		A Catholic Dictionary of Theology; A Work Projected with the Approval of the Catholic Hierarchy of England and Wales Reference BR95 .C27 v. 2 Volume 2 only. History of Catholic thought. 1
		Companion to Literary Myths: Heroes and Archetypes Reference PN56.M95 D4813 1992 Lexicon. Literary reception of myth from Europe, India, china, Japan and Africa. Not Scandinavia or Latin America. Emphasis from French literature and history.
		A Concise Dictionary of Indian Philosophy Reference B131 .G67 1996 Glossary of Sanskrit terms. Emphasis on denotations among Buddhist, Jain and Hindu schools of philosophy. For philosophers delving into Indian Studies.1
		The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church Oxford Reference Online
		The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church Reference BR95 .O82 1977 Strong in basics of Christian history. 1
		The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions Oxford Reference Online
		Corpus Dictionary of Western Churches Reference BR95 .C68x Dictionary. Western denominations, including founders, missionaries, issues and movements, historical overviews. Written in response to Vatican II. May be dated. 1
		The Dictionary of Bible and Religion Reference BR95 .D46 1986 Dictionary of the Bible, church history, and world religions. Also, who's who. Omits some countries.1
		Dictionary of Celtic Mythology Reference BL900 .M445 1998 Dictionary of history, literature, and mythology of six Celtic peoples of the British Isles and Brittany. Mentions ancient Gaul, Galatia, and Iberia. 1
		Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions and the Occult Reference BL31 .M295 1993 New religious movements in North America are juxtaposed to evangelical Christianity. Uneven. 1
		Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible DDD Reference BS680.G57 D53 1999 Lexicon. Deities, demons and heroes. Clear writing. Heavily cross-referenced. Authoritative.1
		A Dictionary of Greek Orthodoxy: Lexicon Hellenikes Orthodoxias Reference BX230 .P37 1984 Historical lexicon. Reallexicon of liturgy and who's who of church fathers and saints. Self-definition of a faith. For church historians. 1
		A Dictionary of Indian History Reference DS433 .B48 1977 Dictionary of Indian politics and military history. Emphasis on persons, places, institutions and events, not religion.1
		A Dictionary of Indology Reference DS423 .R69 1983 Dictionary of Indian culture with a focus on persons, places, sects, texts, sciences, deities, jatakas (account of previous lives of Buddha). Highly praised introductory dictionary.1
		Dictionary of Native American Mythology Reference E98.R3 G46 1992 Dictionary of myths and stories. Introductory. Also available as an eBook. 1
		Dictionary of Non-Christian Religions. Reference BL31 .P36 1981 Glossary. Contains brief articles on deities, myths, leaders, scriptures, practices, art genres and holy places for non-Christian religions. Who's who and introduction are also valuable. 1
		Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements Reference BR1644 .D53 1988 Historical lexicon. Worldwide, but focus is on North America. Good synopses. Omits non-Christian religions. 1
		A Dictionary of Superstitions Reference BF1775 .D53 1989 10 centuries of British quotations concerning folk beliefs. Arranged chronologically. 1
		Dictionary of the Middle Ages Reference D114 .D5 1982 Reallexikon covering 500 C.E. to 1500 C.E. Regions, capital cities, who's who, languages, literary traditions, painting, architecture, economic institutions and techniques, products. For students.
		The Encyclopedia of Jewish Symbols Reference BM50 .F74 1992 Historical dictionary.
		Handbook of Denominations in the United States Reference BR516.5 .M38 Start here for research on pre-1950 Christian denominations in the United States.
		Harper's Dictionary of Hinduism: Its Mythology, Folklore, Philosophy, Literature, and History Reference BL1105 .S88x 1977 Historical glossary. Excellent source for self-teaching Hindu mythology. 1
		Historical Dictionary of Buddhism Reference BQ130 .P74 1993 Glossary of concepts, texts, schools of thought, and cities. Who's who of masters, rulers, Western scholars. For novices. Extensive bibliography.
		Human Values in a Changing World: A Dialogue on the Social Role of Religion 6th FL SOUTH BJ1012 .W537 1984 Philosophical dictionary. 6 themes: Homo religious; Reason and Responsibility; The Problems of Organization; Some Historical Perspectives; Matters of Mind and Body; The Wider Ethical Perspective. 1
		An Illustrated Dictionary of the Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya Reference F1435.3.R3 M55 1997
		Longman Guide to Living Religions Reference BL80.2 .L66 1994 Dictionary. Carefully describes contemporary subgroups within major religions.1
		The New Dictionary of Theology Reference BR95 .N38 1987 Catholic lexicon. Post-Vatican II developments. Weak on art and literature. 1
		The New Westminster Dictionary of Liturgy and Worship Reference BV173 .N49 1986 Articles on practices, sacraments, liturgies, architectures and music. People and places not covered. Anglican liturgical changes since 1972.
		The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium Reference DF521 .O93 1991 All aspects of the Byzantine empire 4-15 century. Emphasis on rulers, conquests, administration, law, objects (realia), customs and art. Less emphasis on religious leaders, thinkers, heretics, disputes, and practices. For specialists. 1
		The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church Reference BR95 .O8 1997 Lexicon. Excellent resource on Christianity. Weak in other religions, methodology, social history, and ethics. 1
		The Oxford Dictionary of Popes Oxford Reference Online
		The Oxford Illustrated History of Christianity Reference BR145.2 .O86 1992 Revisionist compendium. High callibre. Use index for access. Emphasis on social history, liturgy and imagery. Weak: Judaism, women, music. 1
		The Penguin Dictionary of Religions Reference BL31 .P38 1984 Reallexikon surveys past and present world religions. Covers movements, founders, doctrines, scriptures, myths, religious orders, countries and cross- religious categories. May be too condensed and too heavily cross- referenced.1
		The Vocabulary of Jewish Life Reference BM50 .H4 Glossary.
		The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Education Reference BV1461 .C8 First edition.
		The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Spirituality Reference BV4488 .W47 1983 Lexicon of mystical and spiritual movements worldwide. World religions, French, German, English, Irish, Greek, Syrian, and Coptic spirituality. 1

Encyclopedias/Handbooks/Guides ▲
		Civilization of the Ancient Mediterranean: Greece and Rome Reference DE59 .C55 1988 Compendium on every aspect of history, culture and daily life in ancient Greece and Rome.
		A Concise Companion to the Jewish Religion Oxford Reference Online
		Contemporary American Religion Reference BL2525 .C65 2000 v.1 & v.2
		Eastern Definitions: A Short Encyclopedia of Religions of the Orient Reference BL31 .R52 "A guide to common, ordinary, and rare philosophical, mystical, religious, and psychological terms from Hinduism, Buddhism, Sufism, Islam, Zen, Taoism, the Sikhs, Zoroastrianism, and other major and minor Eastern religions."
		Encyclopedia of African and African-American Religions Reference BL2462 .E53 2001 Stephen D. Glazier
		Encyclopedia of African American Religions Reference BR563.N4 E53 1993 Historical lexicon. People, concepts and organizations. Cultural analysis, but weak for Africanists. 1
		The Encyclopedia of American Religions Reference BL2525 .M449 Handbook of religions, denominations, and new religious movements. Excellent for schismatic churches and new religious movements. 1
		The Encyclopedia of American Religious History Reference BL2525 .Q44 2001 Edward L. Queen II, Stephen R. Prothero, and Gardiner H. Shattuck, Jr.; foreword by Martin E. Marty editorial advisor
		Encyclopedia of Asian History Reference DS31 .E53 1988 Reallexikon. Fullest coverage on India, China and Japan; lesser on Korea and Southeast Asia. Introductory level.1
		Encyclopedia of Celtic Mythology and Folklore Reference BL900 .M66 2004 Patricia Monaghan
		Encyclopedia of Death Reference HQ1073 .E54 1989 Lexicon for the social sciences on death and dying. Includes practices, concepts, images and beliefs. 1
		Encyclopedia of Early Christianity Reference BR162.2 .E53 1999 Lexikon on people, cities, doctrines, practices, art, liturgy, heresies, and schisms to 600 C.E. Origins of Christian practice and belief. 1
		The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion: Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Zen Reference BL1005 .L4813 1989
		The Encyclopedia of Ethics Reference BJ63 .E45 1992 Historical lexicon of thinkers, doctrines, and controversies. Who's who of major Eastern and Western thinkers. Retraces intellectual history.
		The Encyclopedia of Fundamentalism Reference BL238 .E63 2001 Follows a broad definition of fundamentalism and covers fundamentalism across time and place, although the emphasis remains on its primary manifestation: Protestation fundamentalism in the United States
		Encyclopædia Iranica Reference DS253 .E53 1985 History and culture of all regions influenced by Iranian culture. For master scholars. 1
		The Encyclopaedia of Islam Reference DS37 .E52 Mega encyclopedia. History, art, beliefs and practices of Islam worldwide. Western scholarship. In-depth articles. 1
		The Encyclopedia of Judaism Reference BM50 .E63 1999 Dictionary of Jewish religious practices, who's who of rabbis and teachers. Intermediate level. 1
		Encyclopedia of Mormonism Reference BX8605.5 .E62 1992 History and doctrine of Mormonism. Detailed. 1
		Encyclopedia of Native American Religions Reference E98.R3 H73 2000 Glossary and who's who. Ceremonies, deities, practitioners, and Christian missionaries. Myths are retold. For beginners.1
		The Encyclopedia of Philosophy Reference B41 .E5 Historical encyclopedia of all periods, regions and schools. Bibliographies may be out of date.1
		The Encyclopedia of Politics and Religion Reference BL65.P7 E53 1998
		The Encyclopedia of Religion Reference BL31 .E46 1986 Mega-encyclopedia of religions and religious studies. Comprehensive.1
		Encyclopedia of Religion and Society Reference BL60 .E53 1998
		Encyclopedia of Religious Rites, Rituals, and Festivals Reference BL31 .E47 2004 Frank A. Salamone
		The Encyclopedia of Unbelief Reference BL2705 .E53 1985 Antireligious lexicon. Strongest point: Who's who. Strident viewpoint. 1
		The Encyclopedia of World Faiths: An Illustrated Survey of the World's Living Religions Reference BL80.2 .E495 1988 Compendium. Topics include: Faith; Religious Leaders; Death and the Afterlife; Gods and Gurus; Festivals; Myths and Legends; Worship; and the Life Cycle. Scholarly. Extinct religions not covered. Excellent photo essays. 1
		Encyclopedia of the Early Church Reference BR66.5 .D5813 1992 Every aspect of Christianity to the year 750 C.E. Emphasis on regions, cities, institutions, languages, liturgies, arts, doctrines, heretics, and leaders of the church. Reallexikon, who's who, and lexicon. 1
		Encyclopedic Dictionary of Yoga Reference B132.Y6 F46 1990 Glossary of techniques, concepts and schools of yoga for practitioners. Technical. For experts.1
		The Facts on File Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend Reference BL303 .M45 2004 Anthony S. Mercatante; revised by James R. Dow
		The Folklore of World Holidays Reference GT3930 .F65 1998 Robert H. Griffin and Ann H. Shurgin, editors. Holidays, festivals, folklore.
		The History of Science and Religion in the Western Tradition: An Encyclopedia Reference BL245 .H57 2000
		Islam and Islamic Groups: A Worldwide Reference Guide Reference BP10 .I73 1992 Dictionary of political Islam. By country. 1
		Kodansha Encyclopedia of Japan Reference DS805 .K633 1983 Encyclopedia of the history and culture of the religions of Japan. 1
		A New Handbook of Living Religions Reference BL80.2 .H275 1998 Compendium. Emphasis on 20th Century beliefs and practices, particularly how religions function for believers today. 1
		The Hindu World; an Encyclopedic Survey of Hinduism Reference BL1105 .W34 Lexicon of English sources 1850- 1960. Reallexikon of regions, land features, languages, tribes, epics, deities, plants and animals, religious and sexual practices, sciences, arts. Who's who covers writers, philosophers, dynasties, rulers, religious founders and reformers. Sources may be illusive.1
		Holidays and Anniversaries of the World: A Comprehensive Catalogue Containing Detailed Information on Every Month and Day of the Year Reference CE76 .H65 1990 2-3 pages for each day of the year. Focus on Europe and the United States. 1
		The Indiana Companion to Traditional Chinese Literature Reference PL 2264z I53 1986 Handbook. Lexicon of writers, works, genres, styles, movements, and influences. Compendium on chiefly Buddhist schools and genres. For readers of Chinese. 1
		The Modern Encyclopedia of Religions in Russia and the Soviet Union Reference BL940.S65 M63 1988 Lexicon. History of all religions in the former Soviet Union. 1
		The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy Reference B41 .B53 1996 Glossary and who's who of contemporary and classical issues. 1 </

Atlases & Maps ▲

The Bible ▲

Bibliographies ▲

Biographies ▲

Book Reviews ▲

Dictionaries ▲

Encyclopedias/Handbooks/Guides ▲