Encyclopedia of Monasticism

by William M. Johnston (Editor)

Overview

The two-volume Encyclopedia of Monasticism describes the monastic traditions of both Christianity and Buddhism with more than 600 entries on important monastic figures of all periods and places, surveys of countries and localities, and topical essays covering a wide range of issues (e.g., art, behavior, economics, liturgy, politics, theology, and scholarship). Coverage encompasses not only geography and history worldwide but also the contemporary dilemmas of monastic life.

Recent upheavals in certain countries are highlighted (Korea, Russia, Sri Lanka, etc.). Topical essays subtitled Christian Perspectives and Buddhist Perspectives explore in imaginative fashion comparisons and contrasts between Christian and Buddhist monasticism. Encyclopedia of Monasticism also includes more than 500 color and black and white illustrations covering all aspects of monastic life, art, and architecture.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781136787157
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/04/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	2000
File size:	45 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

William M. Johnston

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 A; Chapter 2 B; Chapter 3 C; Chapter 4 D; Chapter 5 E; Chapter 6 F; Chapter 7 G; Chapter 8 H; Chapter 9 I; Chapter 10 J; Chapter 11 K; Chapter 12 L; Chapter 13 M; Chapter 14 N; Chapter 15 O; Chapter 16 P; Chapter 17 R; Chapter 18 S; Chapter 19 T; Chapter 20 U; Chapter 21 V; Chapter 22 W; Chapter 23 Y; Chapter 24 Z;

Editorial Reviews

Edited by Johnston (Recent Reference Books in Religion), this work is unique in its focus on monasticism, defined as "a single-minded commitment to religious life conducted apart from the surrounding society," and its coverage of three traditions (Buddhism, Eastern Christianity, and Western Christianity). Over 250 scholars from 25 countries have contributed essays falling into one of four categories: persons, places, practices and pursuits, and institutions. These essays embrace a vast number of topics, from architecture to 20th-century issues to Zen in the West. Volume 1 contains both an alphabetical list of entries and a complex thematic outline. Signed essays end with a secondary bibliography and cross references to other articles, and cross references to correct article titles (e.g., Aquinas, Thomas see Thomas Aquinas, St.) appear throughout the set. The detailed index at the end of Volume 2 includes See references as well. In addition, a glossary aids readers unfamiliar with the terminology. One unfortunate aspect of the book's structure is that the color plates are grouped together in the middle of each volume and are not numbered or referenced in the corresponding essays or index. Thus, most people will never know about a related color plate, making the plates' inclusion almost pointless. The essays themselves vary in quality, consistency, and coherency, and some authors assume advanced knowledge of religious history. Thus, many readers will need to use this worthy but very specialized encyclopedia in conjunction with other subject references. Recommended for special and academic libraries where religious studies are actively pursued.--Cynthia A. Johnson, Barnard Coll. Lib., New York Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

"Stands alone in offering broad and deep coverage of Buddhist and Christian monastic places, concerns and controversies, ideas, spirituality, social dynamics, and practices. A superb resource for historical, cross-cultural, sociological, and phenomenological studies." — Choice
"This magnificant work on monasticism is the first of its kind... the first time under one cover that an extensive encyclopedic work is dedicated to monasticism in both the Christian (Eastern and Western) traditions, with Buddhist traditions treated on a par... It is recommended for all library collections: academic, college, convent, monastery, public, seminary, and theological." — Catholic Library World
"Johnston and his editorial team have produced an excellent central resource for the world history of monasticism. This work is highly recommended for junior college and college and university libraries, in addition to any reference collection pertaining to religious history." — American Reference Books Annual
"Withdrawal from society and its cares is a hallmark of monastic life, but this is not to say that monastic seclusion has had no infuence on the broader society. The contributions of monastics to art, architecture, agriculture, philosophy, theology, and even the brewing of beer are immense. The Encyclopedia of Monasticism presents these contributions as well, making it a reference tool of use to interests other than religion. Highly recommended for all academic and large public libraries." — Booklist/RBB

From the Publisher