Editor Melton is director of the Institute for the Study of American Religion, which is based in Santa Barbara, California; Baumann is a professor of religions at the U. of Lucerne, Switzerland. Together they have shaped the work of a truly international roster of contributors. This global-minded reference is distinguished by its emphasis on the specifics of how and where religions exist, coexist, and function in various countries and regions of the world today--rather than on the abstract or spiritual content of each religion. This second edition is a substantial expansion of the original 2002 edition, and editor Melton's preface explains that additions include increased attention in particular to Latin America and Indonesia (often given short shrift in references on religion produced in the West), as well as South and Central America and the larger Caribbean islands. He also explains decisions regarding inclusion of relatively small (but big impact) religions, a selection from the many thousands of distinct ethnoreligions, and numerous ecumenical organizations. Arrangement is in six volumes, the first leading off with a basic bibliography and essays on the study of world religions, a statistical approach, and religious adherents of the world by continent and region. Following are approximately 350 alphabetically arranged entries--some identified as "core entries" (on broad topics such as "Chinese religions"); others are country entries, and others pertain to particular religions. The entries are referenced and cross referenced. The index is included in each volume for convenience. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)