The second of an anticipated 30 volumes, this work presents entries from Anim through Atheism, written by noted scholars in many fields. The entries are alphabetical and describe the origins and development of the Bible in Christian and Jewish traditions, with entries on the historical places, figures, dynasties, and religions and beliefs mentioned in the holy writ. Beyond this basis the entries expand to include the references to and reception of the Bible in Islam, art, literature, music, dance, film, other religious traditions, and other cultural forms. As an example of the scope of the entries, that on Apocalypses and Apocalypticism includes ten separate sections, each written by a separate specialist, on the Ancient Near East, the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, Judaism, New Testament, Christianity, Islam, literature, visual arts, music, and film, as well as a brief introductory synopsis. Each entry concludes with a list of primary and secondary bibliography. The material is both authoritative and accessible, with definitions and descriptions introducing the topic, a discussion of its meaning, history, and main currents of analysis, with citation of sources throughout, making each entry a full and fascinating essay. Some b&w plates are included and the front and back end papers are maps. The individual volumes are not indexed. The volumes are beautifully printed and bound, as is typical for this publisher. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)