Book Review: Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions

Nelson's Illustrated Guide to Religions: A Comprehensive Introduction to the Religions of the World by James A. Beverley


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Disclaimer: i received a copy of this book for review from Thomas-Nelson Publishers.

This book is interesting in a couple of ways. First, it as more of a reference book than something you sit down to read. I was expecting a more conversational book about various religions and their differences; however, the book is neatly organized with each religion, or sect thereof, in its own section. That's not bad, just not what i was expecting. Secondly, with each religion having its own section, i would have assumed a basic alphabetical ordered format of the religions. They are not. It is organized like a hierarchy with similar religions grouped together. This, too, is not bad, just not what i was expecting after discovering that each religion had its own section. Want to find out about [insert religion here], you will need to refer to the index to find it.

Setting organization aside, Beverly has done a good job with the content. The information is clear and concise and seems accurate. But i kept asking myself, if i wanted to learn more about [insert unknown religion here], why would i go to a book? Honestly, the Wikipedia articles for the religions i reviewed are more thorough and are illustrated as well.

I gave the book a 4/5 because i think the book honors the title pretty well.