ABSTRACT
OVERVIEW This directory assesses over three hundred reference books that scholars in religious studies find useful. Although emphasis falls on works published since 1980, older classics are included, particularly French Mega-Encyclopedias and a few pioneering volumes that retain their appeal. Pivotal works are characterized under four headings: “Scope,” “Strengths,” “Weaknesses” and “Competitors.” English-language works of lesser interest are assessed under a single heading, “Critique.” All but the most imposing or most accessible French and German works are treated in this briefer fashion. Each entry concludes with a summary. Citations at the head of each entry report on indexes, bibliography and illustrations. Entries are numbered consecutively, and other references to a title carry its entry number. In addition, more than a hundred reference works are cited that do not elicit an entry of their own.
