The "Concise Encyclopedia of Language and Religion" provides the specialist and the general reader with accurate, up-to-date information on every aspect of the crucial interface between language and religion. Easy access to material in over 320 articles by scholars in many fields is provided both in a clear thematic arrangement, and by means of a comprehensive and detailed general index. Discussion of many topics including the creation of special sacred scripts, religious calligraphy, and the use of religious symbols in meditation, magic and elsewhere, is enriched and elucidated by illustrations, diagrams and tables. The "Concise Encyclopedia of Language and Religion" brings together articles and bibliographic entries drawn from the award-winning "Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics," all of which have been revised and updated appropriately. These articles are supplemented by a large number of completely new contributions, one of which is an extensive 12,500 word article on 'Basic Concepts and Terms in Linguistics', making this volume accessible to a wide audience.

The Blackwell Companion to the Bible and Culture offers readers a stimulating, one-volume reference source about twenty-first century approaches to the Bible. Drawing on interdisciplinary and international examples, the volume explores how the Bible has impacted on all the major social contexts where it has been influential - world-wide, ancient, medieval and modern. It also offers guidance on how to read the Bible and its many interpretations. The companion consists of 25 articles written by distinguished specialists, each of which is accompanied by a comprehensive bibliography. Taken together, these articles emphasise the multi-faceted nature of the Bible and its impact on the world. They help to bridge the gap between specialist biblical and theological studies and other disciplines, such as literature, art, music, history, religious studies, politics, ecology and sociology.