Ancient Religions
In: Iranian studies, Band 31, Heft 3-4, S. 661-679
ISSN: 1475-4819
TheEncyclopaedia Iranicais Truly a Monumental Undertaking, Containing thousands of carefully selected items of information covering most aspects of Iranian civilization past and present. As the first seven volumes demonstrate, it is an indispensable reference work that belongs in the libraries of all universities and in the homes of everyone interested in Iran, whether for professional or personal reasons. In connection with ancient or pre-Islamic Iranian religions, theEIrrepresents the most important scholarly contribution since James Hastings edited the thirteen-volumeEncyclopaedia of Religion and Ethics(Edinburgh, 1908-1926, reprint New York, 1955, Edinburgh, 1994). In fact, both may be used as complementary research guides, for the rich descriptions of rituals in theEncyclopaedia of Religion and Ethicsare not repeated in theEIrwhereas the former lacks the up-to-date information on persons, places, events, ideas, theoretical standpoints, and bibliography so fully articulated in the latter.