In a shrinking world in which religion has become as much a motivation for war and terror as an inspiration for saintliness and benevolence, it is more important than ever that we understand faiths other than our own. Where did they come from? How did they begin? Were their legended founders real historical individuals? How do their beliefs shape their actions? Which faiths are mutations of older ones? Many otherwise helpful introductory volumes cover only the most populous religions and, fearing most readers will shy away from going deeply into important detail, they wind up grossly oversimplifying. By contrast, Robert M. Price's Houses of the Holy fills in these blanks comprehensively and does so in clear straightforward language, without cheating the necessary complexity. Here you will find fascinating coverage of a full dozen religious faiths, including several you have likely never even heard of!