"Each chapter in this volume examines one of seven major world religions - Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese Traditions, and Japanese Traditions - and contains information about its key beliefs, holidays and festivities, historical and mythological figures, architectural styles, calendars, and important texts. Throughout the book are small, succinct sidebars treating such issues as the roles of women, the importance of saints, and the quest for higher wisdom."--BOOK JACKET.