DICTIONARY OF HINDUISM, A

Hindu literature has a language all its own, consisting of countless terms derived largely from Sanskrit (an ancient language of India). This dictionary of almost 2,800 terms is certainly geared toward the uninitiated—those who do not know a dhvaja (“banner”) from a dvarapala (“doorkeeper”). Pronouncing terms like these is made easier with diacritical marks throughout and a pronunciation guide in the back. At least half of the terms are proper names describing things such as people (ancient and modern), places, and Hindu subgroups. The average entry is a transliterated Sanskrit term with a one- or two-word translation and a reasonably full explanation of its significance to the religion. Needless to say, the majority of the entries will not be found in other dictionaries—not even religious ones. Editor Johnson (Cardiff University) is well credentialed and even served as the translator of Oxford’s edition of the Bhagavad Gita (a classic Hindu text). The definitions he provides in the dictionary are concise, yet many are more than a full paragraph in length. He provides a heavy dose of cross-references as well. The volume concludes with a four-page chronology and a nine-page list of sources for further reading. The bibliography represents a balance between primary Hindu texts (translated into English) and secondary sources on several different strands of Hinduism. Highly recommended for public and academic collections with a substantial focus on religion.